Two-time Olympian Nieves is part of the team that won the USA’s first gold in sitting volleyball in Rio 2016. She was selected for Tokyo 2020, but tested positive for Covid-19 and had to miss the competition. Team USA sitting volleyball will be defending their title in Paris, aiming for a third consecutive gold medal.

Nieves is also the founder of Limitless People: an organisation with the mission of removing barriers to allow everyone the opportunity to learn and play the sport of volleyball, both sitting and standing.  She is also finishing her master’s degree in clinical mental health and has been vocal about the importance of mental health and disability advocacy.

"Being the flag bearer for Team USA means that all of my hard work was not in vain,” said Nieves. “I get to represent the country that made me who I am, with the best-of-the-best U.S. athletes by my side. Thank you to my incredible team for nominating me for this honor and thank you to all the Team USA athletes." 

Serio is the co-captain of the US men's wheelchair basketball team and will be a five-time Paralympian. He is a three-time Olympic medalist, winning gold in Rio and Tokyo, and a five-time world champion.

"I’m overwhelmed and honoured,” said Serio. “I never thought this would be something that I’d get to experience in my career. I want to say thank you to all the Team USA athletes – I’ll represent you to the best of my ability and I love you all.

"The Paralympic Movement has meant everything to me, to be a Team USA athlete and Paralympian is one of the greatest honours that I’ve ever had. Hopefully, I’ll make my country proud, and I can’t wait to represent you all at the front of the pack at the Opening Ceremony."  

The flagbearers were chosen via a vote by fellow American Paralympic athletes to represent the US delegation made up of 225 athletes and guides. The Opening Ceremony will take place on 28 August at 20:00 CEST along the Champs-Elysees and in the Place de la Concorde.