🚀 Prepare for some thrilling action as ten outstanding athletes from Rhineland-Palatinate gear up to showcase their skills at the upcoming Paralympics in Paris! This exciting news was shared by the Rhineland-Palatinate State Sports Association stationed in Mainz. According to their statement, among the seasoned contenders hailing from Rhineland-Palatinate are wheelchair basketball player Mareike Miller, along with the three para-volleyball powerhouses, headed by the 49-year-old Koblenzer Heiko Wiesenthal, attending his fourth Paralympics.
The State Sports Association's spokesperson also revealed that ten fearsome competitors from Rhineland-Palatinate will face off against the top skillsets the world has to offer.
Joining the wheelchair basketball team are Mareike Miller, Svenja Erni, Nathalie Passiwan, and Lisa Bergenthal (all Doneck Dolphins Trier). The para-volleyball squad will feature Heiko Wiesenthal and Torben Schiewe (TV Guls) and Francis Tonleu from BSG Emmelshausen. Representing Rhineland-Palatinate in wheelchair rugby will be Florian Bongard, Michael Volter, and Maximilian Stolz (all RSG Koblenz). Additionally, two state coaches contribute to the wheelchair basketball and rugby teams.
The athletes from Rhineland-Palatinate will be eligible for a 5,000 euro participation bonus from the Rhineland-Palatinate Sports Relief if they meet the necessary funding criteria. Gold, silver, and bronze winners will receive a generous reward of 15,000, 10,000, and 5,000 euros, respectively. Prize money is also available up to eighth place.
The Paris 2024 Paralympics will wrap up on September 8. A total of 4,400 athletes representing 182 countries will strive for medals in 22 sports. Germany's team consists of 65 females and 78 males, along with five guides.
The Paralympic Games for athletes with disabilities mirror the Olympic Games and occur every four years in the same host city as the Summer or Winter Games. Athletes have been competing in summer sports for paralympic medals every four years since 1960. The term Paralympics derives from "paraplegic" (paralyzed on both sides) and "Olympics" (Olympic Games).
Our Rhineland-Palatinate athletes are brimming with anticipation as they prepare for their various sports challenges at the upcoming Paralympics. Alongside wheelchair basketball star Mareike Miller, the para-volleyball team, led by Heiko Wiesenthal attending his fourth Paralympics, is prepping diligently for the games.
(Research suggests including the following details for additional context.) Heiko Wiesenthal, the 49-year-old para-volleyball player, has an extensive track record of Paralympic participation. He has represented Germany in three previous Paralympic Games and won a bronze medal in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympics.
The Paralympic Games are a significant global event that advocates for the empowerment and integration of individuals with disabilities into society. By participating, these athletes not only demonstrate their exceptional abilities but also inspire and promote equality for all persons with disabilities. 🎉
For further information about Paralympic athletes and their participation in the Paris 2024 Paralympics, consult the official International Paralympic Committee (IPC) or German Paralympic Committee (DBS) websites.
