Refugee Paralympic Team takes centre stage at Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony

"The Refugee Paralympic Team's presence on the global stage sends a message of hope to millions of refugees across the world, and indeed to all of us. This remarkable team reminds us of how important it is for people with disabilities to have the chance to fully participate in society on an equal basis," said Grandi.

This is the third time the Refugee Paralympic Team will compete at the Games. The first team, comprised of two refugee athletes, competed at the Rio 2016 Paralympics Games. The team grew to six for Tokyo 2020 and in Paris, the eight refugee athletes and two guide runners will compete in six of the 22 sports - Para athletics, Para powerlifting, Para table tennis, Para taekwondo, Para triathlon, and wheelchair fencing.

The first refugee athlete to compete on day one will be Para taekwondo star Zakia Khudadadi, the European champion in 2023 in the 47kg division. Khudadadi, who now lives in France, is an advocate for the rights of women around the world and made headlines after a harrowing escape from her country just days before Tokyo 2020.

"This team is made up of athletes, each with a different story," Khudadadi said. "Being a part of this team is a privilege, and my goal is to show how strong women can be and to inspire other girls and women to pursue sports and aim for the Games."