The 2024 summer of sport continues as the Paralympic Games take centre stage in Paris. ParalympicsGB will carry the hopes of a nation as they line up against the world's best in the French capital over the next 10 days.
ParalympicsGB will be represented by 215 athletes in 22 sports and almost 10% of the team are Scottish, with 21 Scots competing in 10 sports. Eighteen of the Scots have been supported on their journey by the sportscotland Institute of Sport and are prepared and ready to show the world what they are capable of.
This is the first time that Paris has hosted the Paralympic Games and as all eyes return to the city of light for another celebration of sport, Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, and Sports Minister, Maree Todd, sent good luck messages to the athletes on ParalympicsGB.
Mr Dunlop said: “This is an inspiring group of athletes who have reached the pinnacle of their sport, demonstrating enormous commitment and talent, and this is a fantastic reward for their hard work and dedication.
"We are proud to be part of the ‘team behind team’ supporting the athletes. A team that includes families and friends, coaches, clubs and communities, as well as governing bodies and the experts at the sportscotland institute of sport, all underpinned by investment from the Scottish Government and the National Lottery.
“On behalf of everyone at sportscotland, I want to wish all of the athletes on ParalympicsGB the best of luck, and especially to the 21 Scots selected onto the team. This is the moment you have all dreamed of and worked so hard to achieve. Enjoy every minute, we're behind you all the way.’’
Sports Minister, Maree Todd said: “I’d like to offer my warmest congratulations for the fantastic achievement made by everyone of you in being selected for ParalympicsGB to compete at the Paris Paralympics 2024. To have the opportunity to represent your country at the Paralympics is a fantastic achievement. I’m sure many of you have aspired to achieve this moment for many years and you’ll treasure this for an exceptionally long time.
"I know how much hard work and determination that it’s taken, along with the commitment required from yourself, your family and high-performance staff to develop and progress in sport. I appreciate the significant contribution that leaders, like you, have in providing crucial strong role models who motivate and encourage others to participate in sport. It’s great to see Scottish athletes competing on the world sporting stage. Particularly helping to inspire the next generation of young athletes.
"On behalf of the Scottish Government Ministerial team, I wish you every success for the Games and I am absolutely sure you will do Scotland proud.”
A Full List of Scottish athletes and their sports:
- Kayleigh Haggo - Boccia
- Stephen McGuire - Boccia
- Patrick (Paddy) Wilson - Boccia
- Nathan Macqueen - Para archery
- Ben Sandilands - Para athletics
- Samantha (Sammi) Kinghorn - Para athletics
- Melanie Woods - Para athletics
- Hope Gordon - Para canoe
- Neil Fachie - Para cycling
- Fin Graham - Para cycling
- Jenny Holl - Para cycling (pilot for Sophie Unwin)
- Faye Rogers - Para swimming
- Louis Lawlor - Para swimming
- Toni Shaw - Para swimming
- Stephen Clegg - Para swimming
- Alison Peasgood - Para triathlon
- Brooke Gillies - Para triathlon (guide)
- Martin Perry - Table Tennis
- Robyn Love - Wheelchair Basketball
- Jodie Waite - Wheelchair Basketball
- Gordon Reid - Wheelchair Tennis
