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Two refugee athletes will compete at Rio Paralympics

Xinhua, August 31, 2016 Adjust font size:

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced that two refugee athletes will compete in an independent team at the Rio Paralympic Games.

Syrian-born swimmer Ibrahim Al Hussein and Shahrad Nasajpour, an Iranian discus thrower living in the U.S., will form the Independent Paralympic Athletes (IPA) team in Brazil.

Although athletes have previously competed as independents at the Paralympic Games, this will be the first time that those with refugee status will receive special recognition in a dedicated team guided by a chef de mission, coaches and support staff.

It follows the participation of an unprecedented IOC-sponsored refugee team at the Rio Olympic Games.

Al Hussein, 27, was thrust into the spotlight during the Rio Olympic Torch Relay, when he carried the torch in Athens, Greece, where he is currently living and training with the help of the Hellenic Paralympic Committee. He will compete in the 50m and 100m freestyle S10 (provisional) as a leg amputee in Rio.

Al Hussein was a promising sportsman who dreamed of competing at the Olympic Games. But his chance seemed to have been lost in 2013 when he was severely injured in a war. Having gone to the aid of an injured friend, part of Al Hussein's leg was blown off by an explosion caused by a rocket strike.

After carrying the Rio Olympic Torch, Al Hussein said competing at the Paralympic Games would be a "beautiful opportunity" and now it seems his dream has become reality. "I have been dreaming of this for 22 years," he said.

"I thought my dream had gone when I lost my leg but now it is back for real. I can't believe I am going to Rio. I want to send a message to all those injured that they too can achieve their dreams."

Nasajpour will compete in the men's discus, F37 class, and the IPC has agreed to respect the athlete's request for confidentiality in terms of his personal circumstances. Endit