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Poles to vie for medals at Beijing Paralympics

22.02.2022 11:00
Eight disabled Polish athletes, six men and two women, are gearing up to compete in the Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing next month, officials have said.
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President Andrzej Duda and First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda (centre) pose for a family photo with Polish Paralympians during a send-off ceremony in Warsaw on Monday.
President Andrzej Duda and First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda (centre) pose for a family photo with Polish Paralympians during a send-off ceremony in Warsaw on Monday.Photo: PAP/Albert Zawada

More than 700 competitors from around the world are expected to take part in the event, which will celebrate the sporting talent of athletes with various impairments.

Team Poland is set to compete in four sports, cross-country skiing, biathlon, Alpine skiing and snowboarding.

During a send-off ceremony for the athletes in Warsaw on Monday, President Andrzej Duda wished them success in Beijing.

"We will be keeping our fingers crossed for you," Duda said. "We strongly believe that you will succeed."

He added: "Quite apart from the sports emotions, you are a great example for others. You show people how to enjoy life and overcome difficulties."

Poland has won a total of 45 medals, 11 gold, six silver and 28 bronze, at the winter Paralympic Games since they were first held in Sweden in 1976, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.

Polish Radio is a media partner of the Polish team for the Beijing Paralympics, which start on March 4 and run until March 13.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, prezydent.pl

Click on the audio player above for a report by Radio Poland's Michał Owczarek.