Sarah AdamMatt StutzmanRoxanne TrunnellMaria Liana MutiaJaleen RobertsNicky NievesBobby Body

International Day of Persons With Disabilities: Recognizing Team USA's Dedicated Paralympians

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by Brendan Rourke

Team USA Paralympians enter Place de la Concorde during the parade of nations portion of the opening ceremonies during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on Aug. 28, 2024 in Paris. (Photo by Getty Images)
Sarah Adam smiles ahead of the U.S. Wheelchair Rugby Team's match against Japan during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on Sept. 02, 2024 in Paris. (Photo by Mark Reis)
Matt Stutzman competes during the men's individual compound open ranking round at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on Aug. 29, 2024 in Paris. (Photo by Getty Images)
One of the highlights of the games for me, believe it or not, was not the gold medal but seeing other armless archers competing at the Paralympics. Leaving an armless archer legacy is something I will always treasure and look forward to watching them compete in LA.
Archery athlete Matt Stutzman poses for a portrait during the 2024 Team USA Media Summit at Marriott Marquis Hotel on April 17, 2024 in New York City.
Matt Stutzman, Para Archery
Roxanne Trunnell reacts after competing during the women's individual Grade I event at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on Sept. 3, 2024 in Versailles, France. (Photo by Getty Images)
Liana Mutia poses with her silver medal from the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on Sept. 06, 2024 in Paris. (Photo by Getty Images)
Jaleen Roberts poses for a photo on the podium during the women's 100-meter T37 medal ceremony at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on Sept. 05, 2024 in Paris. (Photo by Getty Images)
When I became immersed in other Paralympic athletes and people with disabilities, it brought me an overwhelming sense of belonging that I didn’t really know that I was missing.
Head Shot
Jaleen Roberts, Para Track & Field
Nicole Nieves serves during Team USA Sitting Volleyball's match against Italy during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on Sept. 03 2024 in Paris. (Photo by Getty Images)
Not everyone has the opportunity or the resources to go out and learn a new sport. Not everyone has the opportunity to build friendships with like-minded, or "like-limbed," individuals as I have been. Thus, the idea of a nonprofit aimed to provide volleyball opportunities was born.
Nicky Nieves
Nicky Nieves, Sitting Volleyball
Bobby Body waves before competing during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on Sept. 08, 2024 in Paris. (Photo by Joe Kusumoto)

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