American Delegation Set for 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris

The American delegation for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, commencing on August 28, has been announced, with members attending either the opening or closing ceremonies. Leading the delegation at the opening will be Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran and Purple Heart recipient, who lost both legs in combat. Duckworth, who has served in Congress since 2013, will be joined by notable figures including U.S. Ambassador to France Denise Campbell Bauer and Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Tanya Bradsher. At the opening ceremony, Duckworth will be accompanied by Brad Snyder, a retired Navy officer and accomplished Paralympian, who has won multiple gold medals in swimming and triathlon. Following the opening, Duckworth will hand over her role to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, who will represent the U.S. at the closing ceremonies on September 8. The White House previously announced this leadership structure for the delegation, which also includes First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. The closing ceremony delegation will feature Becerra alongside the U.S. ambassador to France and additional appointees such as Dante Q. Allen from the Department of Education and Sara Minkara from the State Department. Muffy Davis, a three-time Paralympian and seven-time medalist, will also be part of the team. Duckworth's unique position as a mother and senator highlights her trailblazing role in Congress, having made history as the first senator to give birth while in office.