President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with members of Ukraine's national Paralympic team – champions and medalists of the XVII Summer Paralympic Games in Paris – and presented them with state awards. Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and Minister of Youth and Sports Matvii Bidnyi also attended the ceremony.
The President emphasized that Ukraine is proud of all its sports heroes, as the Paralympians have once again shown the world that Ukrainians are a nation of strong people.
"Your victories have once again proven that our people are capable of overcoming absolutely any obstacles and challenges, and they know how to fight and win like no other," the President stressed.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the athletes for the countless priceless, heartwarming emotions they have brought to Ukrainians during these challenging times.
"Thank you for your strength, for your ability to rise above any circumstances. And I want to thank our entire team of Ukraine – everyone who works with the team, who helps, and who supports you continuously," he said.
The President honored the Paralympians and their coaches with state awards and conferred honorary titles.
Para-cyclist Pavlo Bal presented the President with the uniform of Ukraine's national Paralympic team.
This year marked the eighth time that our team participated in the Paralympic Games. A total of 138 athletes competed in 17 sports. The Paralympians won a total of 82 medals: 22 gold, 28 silver, and 32 bronze. They placed seventh in the overall standings and fifth in the medal count.
