The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will see Pacific athletes competing across various disciplines, with the first events kicking off on August 30.
In Para taekwondo, Solomon Jagiri from the Solomon Islands will be the first to compete in the Men’s K44 – 63kg event. He will be followed by fellow Pacific athletes Herae Loi from Papua New Guinea in the Men’s K44 – 70kg, Junita Tomowane from the Solomon Islands in the Women’s K44 – 65kg, and Irene Mar from Fiji in the Women’s K44 – 57kg event.
Para taekwondo, which made its Paralympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games, is a significant event for these athletes. It is only the second contact sport to be included in the Paralympic program, and it offers an exciting opportunity for competitors with upper limb impairments to showcase their skills on an international stage.
In Para athletics, Cosmol Maefolia of the Solomon Islands will compete in the Men’s F38 Javelin at the Stade de France, marking another key moment for Pacific athletes.
Upcoming Events for Pacific Athletes
- August 30:
- Para Taekwondo: Solomon Jagiri (Solomon Islands), Herae Loi (Papua New Guinea), Junita Tomowane (Solomon Islands), Irene Mar (Fiji).
- Para Athletics: Cosmol Maefolia (Solomon Islands) in Men’s F38 Javelin.
- August 31:
- Para Taekwondo: Manega Tapari (Papua New Guinea), James Gegeu (Solomon Islands).
- September 2:
- Para Athletics: Ongiou Timeon (Kiribati) in Men’s F11 Shot Put, Ken Kahu (Vanuatu) in Men’s F64 Javelin.
- September 5:
- Para Athletics: Elie Enock (Vanuatu), Naibili Vatunisolo (Fiji), Selina Seau (Fiji) in Women’s F57 and F64 Shot Put.
- September 6:
- Para Athletics: Meleane Falemaka (Tonga) in Women’s F38 Discus.
As the Games progress, the Pacific nations will continue to bring their unique spirit and determination to the global stage, inspiring not just their home countries, but audiences around the world.
