The prestigious event will take place at the renowned Stade Sébastien Charléty stadium, situated adjacent to the French Olympic Committee - a fitting location linked to Pierre de Coubertin, the visionary founder of the modern Olympics.
Marcel Jarosławski, the head of the Polish team at the World Championships on behalf of the Polish Disabled Sports Association "Start," expressed confidence in the team's preparations, despite the logistical challenges of sending such a large group.
"We sent a record-breaking team of red and white to the World Championships, so the trip is logistically difficult, but so far everything is going according to plan," Jarosławski stated.
Currently, half of the Polish team is already in Paris, eagerly gearing up for the upcoming competition. The initial qualifications for the various events will be held on Saturday, with the much-anticipated finals scheduled to take place from Sunday onwards, attracting spectators from around the world.
Jarosławski emphasized that the battle at the Global Championships extends beyond the pursuit of medals. "The Global Championships is an important stop on the way to the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris," he explained. "Our paralympic athletes who secure places 1-4 will earn spots for the country at the most important sporting event of the quadrennium."
Among Poland's notable participants, Pawel Fajdek stands out with an impressive track record of securing five World Championship gold medals in the hammer throw. Meanwhile, Maciej Lepiato, a two-time Paralympic champion, aims to replicate Fajdek's feat in the high jump, bolstering his collection of four gold medals from previous events of this caliber.
Additionally, the T11 category for the blind and visually impaired will witness the formidable duo of Joanna Mazur and her guide Michał Stawicki, who clinched the title of world champions in London back in 2017.
The Paralympic World Championships have drawn approximately 2,300 participants, including athletes, coaches, caregivers, and guides, representing over 100 countries worldwide.
The event will run until July 17, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their abilities and pave their way towards the highly anticipated 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
(jh)
Source: Radio Poland