Historic first for Egyptian Paralympics in Paris

Abeer Anwar , Tuesday 20 Aug 2024

Egyptian Paralympic Committee President Hossameddin Mustafa tells Abeer Anwar that holding the opening ceremony next to the Egyptian Obelisk was a monumental decision

Mustafa
Mustafa

 

In a landmark event for the Egyptian Paralympic movement, the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will feature an opening ceremony at Place de la Concorde (or Concord Square) next to the iconic Egyptian Obelisk, marking the first time the ceremony will be held in an open-air setting, just like the Paris Olympics. President of the Egyptian Paralympic Committee Hossameddin Mustafa said how enthusiastic he was about the historic occasion and its significance for both athletes and spectators.

The Paralympic Games, to be held from 28 August to 8 September, involves athletes with a range of disabilities. The tournament begins shortly following the end of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“Holding the opening ceremony at Concord Square next to the Egyptian Obelisk is a monumental decision,” Mustafa said in an exclusive interview with Al-Ahram Weekly. “It highlights the grandeur and historical significance of both the location and the event itself. This open-air setting will provide a unique and memorable experience for everyone involved.”

The Egyptian Paralympic delegation in Paris will be the largest in the country’s history as well as the biggest from Africa. Mustafa said Egypt will be participating in 20 sports, the highest number ever for the country. This includes the debut of canoe, rowing, and boccia (related to lawn bowling), showcasing the growing diversity and capabilities of Egyptian Paralympic athletes.

“Our delegation will be the biggest in the history of Egyptian Paralympic delegations and also the largest from Africa,” Mustafa stated. “For the first time ever, we will compete in canoe, rowing and boccia. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our athletes and the support they have received.”

In addition to the new sports, Egypt will also be making its inaugural Paralympic participation in table tennis, with an athlete with an intellectual disability. This inclusion marks a significant step forward in the representation and support of athletes with various disabilities in international sports.

“We are particularly proud to have an athlete with an intellectual disability competing in table tennis for the first time,” Mustafa added. “This inclusion reflects our commitment to providing opportunities for all athletes, regardless of their disability, to showcase their talents on the world stage.”

The excitement surrounding the Egyptian delegation is palpable as they prepare to make history at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The combination of a historic opening ceremony, the largest and most diverse delegation, and the inclusion of new sports and athletes highlights Egypt’s dedication to advancing Paralympic sports and supporting its athletes.

“As the head of the delegation, I want to emphasise that I will be there for everyone,” Mustafa said. “I prefer not to speculate on the number of medals Egypt might secure, it’s important to remember that success in sports often hinges on the athlete and the circumstances on the day of the competition.

“For the first time ever, we have included sports psychiatrists who have supported our Para athletes throughout their preparation and will continue to do so during the Games in Paris. I believe this will significantly impact their performance.

“Additionally, Egypt’s presence in the Paralympic Games extends beyond our athletes. We are proud to have five Egyptian referees, three of them women, officiating in five sports —powerlifting, table tennis, goalball, badminton, and kayaking —under the auspices of their respective international federations. This, without a doubt, showcases Egypt’s excellence and leadership across various fields.”

Mustafa wished all the members of the Egyptian delegation the very best of luck. “We hope to improve our medal count in Paris, especially after not securing a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. The support and cheers from 110 million Egyptians will be invaluable as our Para athletes compete on the world stage.”


* A version of this article appears in print in the 22 August, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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