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Ken Kahu, ranked in the top ten in the world in the Paralympic javelin and one of the top athletes to ever represent Vanuatu, won silver in the men’s javelin at the 2023 Honiara Games, just missing out on gold.
photo: Facebook / Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Program
The Pacific team will feature seven women and six men, the largest number of Paralympic athletes ever to compete in the 2024 Paralympic Games.
The 13 athletes will represent six Pacific nations in taekwondo and track and field events.
There will be 4,400 athletes from 160 countries competing in Paris for this Paralympic Games.
Each Paralympic sport has its own classification system to ensure fair competition. Athletes are classified according to the extent to which their impairment affects their performance.
The Oceania Paralympic Committee said the Pacific team will have to prove its worth in the opening competition on Thursday.
The committee’s chair, Paul Bird, said they were proud and excited and called on the Pacific and global community to offer their support.
Athletes from Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Kiribati have now gathered in Paris, eager to compete against the world’s best athletes with disabilities.
“As the world gathers for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, we are delighted to highlight the incredible athletes from Pacific nations who will be competing in this year’s Paralympic Games,” Bird said in a statement.
“These athletes from Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Kiribati are making waves and breaking boundaries. Their strength, perseverance and unwavering spirit demonstrate the true essence of the Paralympic Movement.
“Our Pacific athletes not only represent their countries but also the dreams of the entire Oceania region.
“With every step, every play and every throw they make, they inspire the next generation to overcome challenges. By competing in Para athletics and Para taekwondo, they are ready to show what they can do on the world stage.
“Follow their journey and learn about their stories, triumphs and inspiring moments as they compete on one of the biggest stages in sport. Cheer them on and show your support for these Pacific warriors as they chase their Paralympic dreams.”
Paralympic javelin thrower Ken Kahu will be the flag bearer for Vanuatu at the opening ceremony of the Paris Paralympic Games on August 28.
Vanuatu Daily Post Kahu, who works under Australia’s Pacific Australian Labour Mobility (PALM) program, has reportedly been selected by the Vanuatu Paralympic Committee.
Vanuatu Paralympic Chef de Mission Margaret McFarland said the athletes will give their best in the competition.
Tonga will have Meleane Vasitai Leapeni Falemaka.
“Vasi,” as she is known to her friends and family, will be making her mark at these Olympics.
Vassi represented Tonga in the women’s F37 discus and her journey has been one of sheer determination, resilience and a fierce resolve to overcome the odds.
She qualified for the 2024 World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Marrakech, Morocco.
Her personal best of 16.68m placed her fifth and secured her place in Paris.
The Paralympics will be held from August 28 to September 8.
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