Belgium and its ambitions for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. BEParalympics / X

With less than two weeks to go until the Opening Ceremony of theParis 2024 Paralympic Games, Belgium's Chef de Mission for Paris 2024, Olek Kazimirowski, expressed his confidence and ambition regarding the results expected from the country's Para athletes.

Last Wednesday, a key message was delivered in the Belgian capital, Brussels: "Better than Tokyo!" - a motivational target set for the Belgian delegation at the17th Paralympic Games.

The message came at a press event in Brussels ahead of the first departures for Paris scheduled for this weekend.

In Tokyo, the Belgian Paralympic team won 15 medals, an exceptional result given the unique conditions in 2021.

Following the success of Belgian para-athletes on the international stage, the Belgian Paralympic Committee (BPC) has set itself ambitious goals for the Games, which begin in Paris on 28 August.

Olek Kazimirowski, Chef de Mission for Paris 2024. BELGIAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE
Olek Kazimirowski, Chef de Mission for Paris 2024. BELGIAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE

"We want to do even better than in Tokyo," announced Olek Kazimirowski, Chef de Mission for Paris 2024, adding: "Several Belgian athletes are currently reigning world champions, world medallists or record holders. With the support of our federations and sports administrations, they are all training every day with the aim of excelling in Paris"

Kazimirowski also expressed great confidence in the performance of his Para athletes: "We believe it is realistic to expect an even better result than three years ago, both in terms of the number and colour of medals. However, we are aware that the context of the Games is unique and it's about performing on the day to stand out among the best. We will do everything we can with our team to ensure that they are in the best possible condition when it comes time to compete."

In this context, the BPC announced that for the first time, fans of the Belgian Paralympic Team, the media and stakeholders of the Paralympic Movement will be able to gather at the Lotto Paralympic Belgium House to support the Belgian athletes and celebrate the delegation's results together.

"It is not every day that the Games are held so close to home. We hope that a large number of Belgians will come to Paris to cheer us on, to discover or rediscover Para sports and to share these great moments with us," concluded rider Manon Claeys and sprinter Roger Habsch, who were present for the occasion.

Belgium is bringing a total of 29 para-athletes and 2 guides from 11 disciplines to the French capital for a tournament that will run until 8 September. Among them are nine of the ten medallists from Tokyo, as well as a balanced mix of experience and youth, with 9 athletes making their Paralympic debut.