Paris 2024: Kiribati make Paralympic debut

Historic achievement for the Pacific island nation

Kiribati will make their Paralympic Games debut at Paris 2024, becoming the first nation from Micronesia to compete at the Games.

The tiny Pacific island nation, with a population of just over 120,000 people, has never participated in the Paralympic Games before.

However, all that is set to change in 2024, when Kiribati will send a team of athletes to compete in the Games.

A proud moment for Kiribati

The announcement of Kiribati's Paralympic debut was met with great pride and excitement in the country.

President Taneti Maamau said that it was a "historic moment" for Kiribati, and that the team would be a source of inspiration for all Kiribatians.

The Minister for Sport, Tinian Reiher, said that the team's participation in the Games would help to raise awareness of disability in Kiribati, and would encourage more people with disabilities to participate in sport.

Challenges and opportunities

Kiribati faces a number of challenges in preparing for the Paralympic Games.

• The country has limited resources and infrastructure for sport.
• There are few qualified coaches and trainers for athletes with disabilities.
• Kiribati is a long way from Europe, where the Paralympic Games will be held.

However, Kiribati is also presented with a number of opportunities in the lead-up to the Games.

• The country can seek support from international organizations, such as the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).
• Kiribati can learn from the experiences of other Pacific island nations that have competed in the Paralympic Games, such as Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
• Kiribati can use the Paralympic Games as a platform to raise awareness of disability and to promote inclusion.

With the right preparation and support, Kiribati's Paralympic debut could be a success.