Pacific nations enjoyed unparalleled triumph at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, with the world’s best Paralympians demonstrating resilience, talent, and the region’s indomitable spirit.
From Oceania record performances to personal and seasonal bests for some Pacific Island nations, the 2024 Games were a watershed moment in the region’s Paralympic history.
Paralympians from 168 National Paralympic Committees, including the Paralympic Refugee Team.
Included six Pacific nations: Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Tonga, and Vanuatu.
These Pacific nations made an impression on the world scene, competing strongly in Para athletics and Para taekwondo.
The Paralympians’ outstanding performances have inspired millions both within their home nations and globally.
The sense of pride and unity across the Pacific has never been stronger.
Excitingly, Kiribati made a debut appearance attending their first Paralympic Games ever.
Kiribati’s Chef de Mission, Fakaofo Kekeang expressed pride over their first paralympic participation.
“It’s a special moment and we are very proud to travel this long trip from our country to Paris.”
Ongiou Timeon made history as Kiribati’s first-ever competitor at the Paralympic Games, stepping straight into the finals of the Men’s F11 Shot Put.
Para athletics saw one Oceania Record, four Personal Bests, and two Seasonal Bests set in the Stade de France, as well as remarkable performances in Para taekwondo at the beautiful Grand Palais.
Before the Games began, the Oceania Paralympic Committee (OPC) brought together teams from Vanuatu, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Australia, and New Zealand for a special Welcome Event in the Paralympic Village.
Officials attending the event were Australia’s Governor General, Her Excellency Sam Mostyn AC, and Anika Wells, the Federal Minister for Sport.
These nations have never staged a welcoming occasion before. It was also the first time that all of the Oceania nations were housed together in the Paralympic Village.
Despite the physical and logistical problems that Pacific islands frequently confront, the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games saw the most Pacific Paralympians ever, with a 13-strong presence surpassing the previous record of 11 athletes set at the Sydney Paralympics in 2000.
It also had the highest representation of women, including players, coaches, and administrators.
Three of the national Chefs de Mission and seven of the athletes were female.
As the Paralympians return home, their achievements will have far-reaching consequences beyond the sports stadium and the taekwondo mat.
Their achievement provides a tremendous platform for advancing social change throughout the Pacific.
The athletes are committed to use their platform to raise awareness about the significance of disability rights, accessibility, and inclusion.
Many of the returning Paralympians have expressed their desire to become advocates and leaders in their communities, pushing for better infrastructure, access to education, and opportunities for disabled people.
As the National Paralympic Committees and their National Sports Organisation members look ahead to LA28 and Brisbane 2032, they will advocate for increased government and public support for disability inclusion initiatives to ensure that the Paralympic Games’ legacy lives on long after the closing ceremony.
The Pacific nations’ achievement at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games is only the beginning.
With greater funding in Para sport, improved visibility for impaired athletes, and a strong commitment to social impact, the region is well-positioned for future international success.
The emphasis now is to capitalizing on this momentum, ensuring that the 2024 Games’ legacy brings real and long-term change back home.
For the Pacific, these Games have been more than just a showcase of sporting excellence; they are a catalyst for a more inclusive and accessible society for all.