Excitement Builds for 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris: Team USA Flagbearer Announced

The streets of Paris are still buzzing with excitement as fans from around the world gear up for the 2024 Paralympic Games, set to begin on August 28. Team USA has selected sitting volleyball player Nicky Nieves and wheelchair basketball player Steve Serio to wave the nation’s flag during the opening ceremony.

Nieves, who was a key player in helping Team USA secure its first gold medal in sitting volleyball during the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio, expressed her gratitude for being chosen as the flagbearer. In a heartwarming video shared on Instagram, Nieves was in “pure shock” upon learning about her nomination, surrounded by her teammates who have supported her throughout her journey.

Her nominating teammate Katie Holloway-Bridge praised Nieves for her dedication to improving Paralympic sport and advocating for the next generation of athletes. Nieves, who was unable to compete in the 2020 Tokyo Games due to the pandemic, sees Paris 2024 as her “redemption year” and hopes to bring home another gold medal for Team USA.

The Paralympics ceremony in Paris is making history by taking place outside the confines of a traditional stadium, at Paris’ Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées. Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee, emphasized the importance of showcasing the achievements and values of Paralympic athletes to promote inclusion for people with disabilities in society.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Nieves describes herself as a “Black Puerto Rican Jesus-lovin’ girly from New York” and a baby therapist completing her masters in Clinical Mental Health. She founded Limitless People, a nonprofit organization aimed at creating inclusive spaces for people to play volleyball regardless of their background. Nieves hopes to impact lives and provide opportunities for individuals to build confidence and lasting memories through sports.