BURLINGTON, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) celebrates Team USA athletes as the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games begin. The Opening Ceremony will be held today in Paris and the competition will be held Thursday, August 29 through Sunday, September 8, 2024. The United States Paralympic Team has 225 athletes, including a 29-time medalist (Jessica Long, swimming) and 78 athletes who are competing in games for the first time. 

“I join Vermonters in extending our congratulations and well wishes for Team USA as the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games begin. The incredible athletes representing America have inspired people around the country—and the world —showing that through determination, perseverance, and hard work, we win big,” said Sen. Peter Welch. “Folks living with physical disabilities should have more opportunities to exercise and compete through adaptive sports and recreational programs, whether that’s professionally like the Paralympians on Team USA or in their hometown.” 

The Paralympic Games features over 4,400 athletes competing in 22 sports.

Earlier this summer, Team USA brought home a total of 126 medals during the Olympic Games—the most of any country. Vermont’s Billy Bender (Rowing), Ilona Maher (Rugby) and Elle Purrier St. Pierre (Track and Field) competed in the games, and Maher won a bronze medal with the U.S. women’s rugby sevens team.   

Visit teamusa.com for more information, schedules, and results.  

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