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Published:  28 Aug 2024

Meet our EU Paralympic ambassadors at the start of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

During the next two weeks, from 28 August until 8 September, the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will gather 4 400 athletes who will compete in 22 sports. It will be a celebration of the human spirit, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence, not just a competition.

The core values of the paralympic movement are courage, determination, inspiration, and equality. The commitment to equality resonates with the values of the European Union and reminds us that true progress lies in creating a world where everyone has an equal chance to succeed.

The European Commission promotes the participation of people with disabilities in sport through the Commission’s Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030.

The Erasmus+ programme provides funding for sports projects involving people with physical and mental disabilities.

The #BeInclusive EU Sport Awards recognise work of organisations that use the power of sport to promote social inclusion. The Awards are now open for submissions. The deadline is 25 September 2024!

Back in France to enjoy the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

We want to celebrate the talent and skills of the athletes competing from all over the world, so let’s meet our EU Paralympic Ambassadors: Aino Tapola and Mindaugas Bilius.

Get inspired by their stories as we get ready for the European Week of Sport in September.

Aino Tapola (Finland): a lifelong love for sport

Aino Tapola is a 26 year old wheelchair player from Finland. She is the current number 2 table tennis player in the world (class 1). Aino is a lifelong athlete, driven by a deep love of sport.

Prior to her career as a table tennis player, and before a sport accident, Aino competed in the Olympic Games as a diver. 

Among her many medals, she won a silver at the 2022 World Para Table Tennis Championships and a bronze at the 2023 European Para Table Tennis Championships.

Mindaugas Bilius (Lithuania): pairing skills with commitment

Mindaugus Bilius is a Lithuanian Paralympic athlete who competes in jump and track (T37) and discus throw (F37) competitions.

Mindaugas participated in London 2012 Paralympic Games and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Gold and silver medals are testimony to his many sporting achievements in Europe and around the world. 

Mindaugas is also the president of the Lithuanian Paralympic Committee. He is deeply committed to making sport accessible and inclusive, welcoming everyone, regardless of background or fitness level.

There is more!

If you want to meet all the EU Olympic Ambassadors, you should check our social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Also check out the official website for the latest news. The European Week of Sport is just around the corner!

Tagged in:  EWoS 2024 EWOS
Published:  28 Aug 2024

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