Pacific nations shine at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games: A legacy of success and social impact

The Pacific nations celebrated unprecedented success at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, with the greatest Paralympians from around the world showcasing resilience, talent, and the indomitable spirit that defines the region. From Oceania record performances to personal and seasonal bests for some Pacific Island nations, the 2024 Games marked a turning point in the region’s Paralympic history.

Paralympians, representing 168 National Paralympic Committees, including the Paralympic Refugee Team. Included six nations from across the Pacific, including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Tonga and Vanuatu. These Pacific nations made their mark on the global stage, competing fiercely 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.

“This is our first time at the Paralympics. It’s special,” said Kiribati’s Chef de Mission, Fakaofo Kekeang. “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.

“I’m so happy. I’m proud to be selected from Kiribati,” Timeon said before the event, calling out the support he has received over many years from his family, Oceania Paralympic Committee and the Australian and New Zealand Government.

There was one Oceania Record, four Personal Bests and two Seasonal Bests attained at the Stade de France in Para athletics along with outstanding performances in Para taekwondo at the spectacular Grand Palais.

Full results are shown below.

The Oceania spirit and unity

Before the Games commenced, the teams from Vanuatu, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand, all represented by the Oceania Paralympic Committee (OPC), gathered for a special Welcome Event in the Paralympic Village. The event was attended by officials including Australia’s Governor General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, the Federal Minister for Sport, Anika Wells.

This was the first time ever that these nations celebrated a welcome event. It was also the first time ever that all the Oceania nations were accommodated together in the Paralympic village.

A New Chapter of Paralympic Glory

Despite the geographical and logistical challenges that Pacific islands often face, the Paris  2024 Paralympic Games had the largest ever number of Paralympians from the Pacific region, with the 13-strong contingent outdoing the previous record of 11 athletes at the Sydney Paralympics in 2000.

It also had the highest representation of women – as athletes, coaches and  administrators. Three of the national Chef de Missions and seven of the athletes were women.

Creating Social Change Through Sport

As the Paralympians return home, the impact of their achievements will extend far beyond the athletics stadium and the taekwondo mat. Their success is a powerful platform for driving social change across the Pacific. The athletes are determined to use their visibility to raise awareness of the importance 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. They are passionate about inspiring the next generation of Para athletes and breaking down societal barriers, using sport as a tool for empowerment and inclusion.

“Being a Para athlete gives me confidence that I can do almost anything. I encourage others who are disabled to join activities set up for them like Para sports because it can give them, as I feel now, a new life”. Meleane Falemaka, Tonga

As the National Paralympic Committees, along with their National Sports Organisation members look ahead towards LA28 and Brisbane 2032 they will be advocating for greater government and public support for disability inclusion initiatives to ensure the legacy of the Paralympic Games resonates long after the closing ceremony.

Looking to the Future

The success of the Pacific nations at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games is just the beginning. With growing investment in Para sport, increased visibility for disabled athletes, and a clear commitment to social impact, the region is poised for continued success on the international stage.

The focus now shifts to building on this momentum, ensuring that the legacy of the 2024 Games brings meaningful and lasting 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.

Source: Oceania Paralympic Committee