Ken Kahu is ranked in the top 10 in the world in Paralympic javelin and is one of the top athletes to ever represent Vanuatu. He claimed silver in the men’s javelin ambulant event at the 2023 Honiara Games, narrowly missing out on gold. Photo: Facebook / Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme
Team Pacific will have seven women and six men - the highest number of Paralympians - competing at the 2024 Paralympics.
The 13 athletes will represent six Pacific nations in taekwondo and athletics.
The Paralympics will have 4400 athletes from 160 countries competing in Paris.
Each Paralympic sport has its own system of classification, which helps to ensure fair and equal competition. Athletes are classified depending on the amount of impact their impairment has on their sporting performance.
Team Pacific will be out to prove their worth at the event, which opens on Thursday, the Oceania Paralympic Committee said.
The Committee's president Paul Bird said they are proud and excited, urging support from the Pacific and global communities.
The athletes from Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Kiribati, are now in Paris, eager to compete against the best para athlete's world.
"As the world comes together for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, we are excited to spotlight the incredible athletes from the Pacific nations who will be competing at this year's Games," Bird said in a statement.
"From the islands of Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Kiribati, these athletes are making waves and breaking boundaries. Their strength, perseverance, and unwavering spirit show the true essence of Paralympic sport.
"Our Pacific athletes represent not just their nations but the dreams of an entire Oceania region.
"With each step, each race, and each throw, they inspire the next generation to rise above challenges. Competing in Para athletics, and Para Taekwondo they are ready to leave it all on the world stage.
"Follow their Journey and keep up with their stories, triumphs, and inspiring moments as they compete on one of the biggest stages in sports. Show your support for these Pacific warriors by cheering them on as they chase their Paralympic dreams."
Javelin Paralympian Ken Kahu will be Vanuatu's flagbearer at the opening ceremony of the Paris Paralympics on 28 August.
Vanuatu Daily Post reported Kahu, who works under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme in Australia, has been selected by the Vanuatu Paralympic Committee.
Vanuatu's Paralympic chef de mission Margaret McFarlane said the athletes will go to do their best at the event.
Tonga will have Meleane Vasitai Leaaepeni Falemaka.
Known to her friends and family as "Vasi", she is set to make her mark at the Games.
Representing Tonga in the women's F37 discus throw event, Vasi's journey is one of quiet determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to overcoming the odds.
She qualified in April 2024, when she competed at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Marrakech, Morocco.
Her personal best throw of 16.68 meters ranked her fifth and secured her a spot to Paris.
The Paralympics will run from the 28 August to 8 September.
