The Paralympics

Ibrahim Al-Hussein and Shahrad Nasajpour became a global news story when they competed as part of the Independent Paralympic Athletes’ (IPA) Team at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Ibrahim Al-Hussein and Shahrad Nasajpour represented millions of people displaced by war and persecution, especially those making dangerous journeys to reach safety. The pair of athletes also had a special mission – to raise awareness of the difficulty of refugees with injuries or disabilities

For Syrian-born Al-Hussein, competing in the Paralympics was the realisation of a life-long dream. “I have been dreaming of this [competing at the Games] for 22 years,” he said before he went to Brazil. “I thought my dream was over when I lost my leg, but now my dream is back for real. I can’t believe I am going to Rio.”

Al-Hussein was a keen swimmer and judoka before he lost his leg in a rocket attack in his home town of Deir-Al-Zour. He left Syria to look for treatment. He took a boat to Turkey and on to Athens, Greece. He first came to the world’s attention when he carried the Olympic Torch through the Eleonas refugee camp.

Al-Hussein was in Rio with Iranian-born Nasajpour, who competed in the men’s discus and carried the flag at the Closing Ceremony. “Rio was my biggest-ever sporting event and being part of such a big event was a great experience,” Nasajpour said. “You compete with the best in the world, and it made me more determined to keep going and try harder in all I do. I took part in the Rio Games with the IPA Team to show, in any situation with any difficulty, do not give up or stop working for anything. You have the heart for it.”