Paralympics provide salvation for Nunes after shooting

Ricardo Nunes was on his way to his job as a chef when he was stopped in the street by two assailants near his home in Rio's west.

Overcome with panic, Nunes ignored their demands for his belongings and tried to run away.

He made it only a few meters down the road before collapsing in a hail of bullets.

Nunes was left paraplegic and doctors said he would have almost certainly died if the incident had not occurred so close to a hospital, where he was treated within minutes.

Despite the physical injuries, it was the psychological trauma that proved most difficult to overcome.

"I practically didn't leave home for 10 years," Nunes told the Folha de S.Paulo newspaper. "I went to the bank once a year. I was depressed, scared and embarrassed to even walk outside. I didn't want people to see me."

Everything changed when a friend invited Nunes to try Paralympic sports.

Within weeks, he found a way to reintegrate into society after a decade in hiding.

Nunes tried his luck at basketball and handball before discovering a passion - and rare skill - for shot put.

Three years later, Nunes achieved the Paralympic qualifying standard and earned a call-up for the Rio Games.

"It's a new life," said Nunes, now 44 and a father of two. "I'm thankful everyday."

Nunes is one of 11 survivors of gun violence in Brazil's 287-strong squad for the Sep. 7-18 Paralympics in Rio.

The United States also have a high percentage of athletes who are victims of firearms, including 35 war veterans who suffered their injuries in the line of duty.

Britain have 11 athletes, or 4% of their delegation, who were victims of armed conflict. Endit