Team USA announced that wheelchair basketball star Steve Serio and sitting volleyball player Nicky Nieves will serve as the flag bearers for the United States during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games on Aug. 28. Serio, an incomplete paraplegic, has competed in four previous Paralympic Games and has already earned two gold medals and one bronze. Nieves, born without a left hand, won a gold medal in her first Paralympic appearance in 2016 at the Rio de Janeiro Games. Both athletes have impressive backgrounds in their respective sports and are determined to represent their country with pride in Paris.
Ahead of the Paris Paralympic Games, Team USA shared a video on Instagram featuring Serio reflecting on his past headshots from previous Games, including the Beijing 2008 Paralympics where he first competed at the age of 21. Now, at 36 years old, Serio is gearing up to defend his gold medal in wheelchair basketball. Nieves, who has been playing volleyball since sixth grade, was also a cheerleader and track and field star in school. Team USA shared a photo of her with her sitting volleyball teammates, showcasing the camaraderie and dedication of the Paralympic athletes.
The 2024 Paris Paralympic Games will be a historic event as it marks the first time the Paralympic Summer Games will be held in the City of Light. The Games will feature over 4,000 athletes from around the world competing in 22 different sports. The opening ceremony will take place at the iconic Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées, instead of a traditional stadium setting, adding a unique touch to the event. The ceremony will be broadcast on USA Network and Peacock, starting with a one-hour pre-show at 1 p.m. ET, followed by the arrival of the flag bearers and the opening spectacle at 2 p.m. ET.
As the excitement builds for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, fans can expect to witness incredible displays of athleticism and sportsmanship from elite Paralympic athletes. The Games will showcase the talent and dedication of individuals who have overcome various challenges to compete on the world stage. With Serio and Nieves leading Team USA as flag bearers, the country will be well represented in Paris as they aim to bring home more medals and make a lasting impact in their respective sports. The full schedule of events can be found on the Olympics website, allowing fans to follow their favorite athletes and teams throughout the competition.
In addition to their achievements on the court and field, Serio and Nieves serve as inspirations to others with their perseverance and dedication to their sports. Their stories of triumph over adversity have touched the hearts of fans around the world, showcasing the power of the human spirit and the ability to rise above challenges. As they prepare to compete in the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, Serio and Nieves will continue to inspire others to pursue their dreams and never give up in the face of obstacles. Their journey to the Games represents the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination, making them true champions both on and off the field.
