Local athletes to watch at the Paralympics — and how to watch them

The Paralympics, which are held every four years and rotate cities each time, are like the Olympics, but created specifically for athletes with a range of disabilities. This year’s Games will include 4,400 athletes and sports like wheelchair basketball, para-judo, sitting volleyball, and blind football.

When and where are the 2024 Paralympics?

The Paralympics are held in the same city as the Olympics — Paris, in this case — and run from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8. They’ll utilize several venues familiar to Olympic fans, including the Bercy Arena, Eiffel Tower Stadium, and Stade de France

How can I watch the Paris Paralympics?

The 2024 Summer Paralympics can be watched across NBCUniversal networks, with Wednesday’s Opening Ceremonies and events being broadcast on NBC in prime time, as well as on Peacock, USA, and CNBC.

Are there any Paralympians with local ties?

At least nine athletes with connections to the area will participate in the Paralympics, with some hailing from Philly, Hershey, and Haverford. Others have attended Temple, Penn State, and Rowan. Let’s meet some of them … 

David Abrahams, para-swimming

A Division I swimmer from a sports family, Abrahams was a decorated performer at Haverford High School, earning All-State honors in 2018 and 2019 after being named honorable mention in 2017. He will compete for Team USA.

Brandon Lyons, para-cycling

Lyons graduated from Penn State in 2012. Two years later, his life changed after a pool injury left him paralyzed from the chest down. He returned to work four months later, completed a marathon, and started his para-cycling career.

Liana Mutia, para-judo

Mutia, who is visually impaired, rates No. 1 in the world in her division. She is just as skilled off the mat. A former high school wrestler who lives in Philadelphia, she works as a software analyst and lists coding among her hobbies.

Emelia Perry, para-triathlon

Born in Philly, Perry moved to Osaka, Japan, as a baby before returning to the city to run cross country at Ursinus. While a spinal injury changed those plans, Perry’s career continued when she found wheelchair racing and para-triathlon.

Christie Raleigh Crossley, para-swimming

Raleigh Crossley’s story is one of perseverance. Swimming took her to Florida State, where she was an NCAA All-American. She won a Division III title at Rowan, but two car accidents derailed her career. She became para-swimmer in 2022.

Mason Symons, wheelchair rugby

Symons hails from Hershey, and is competing in his first Paralympics for Team USA. Symons, 35, discovered wheelchair rugby after his military career and won gold at the 2023 Parapan American Games in Santiago.

Cody Wills, para-cycling

Paralyzed in a motocross accident, Wills became a cyclist at 32 years old after fellow Paralympian Brandon Lyons inspired him to try hand-cycling. Now Willis, from Harrisburg, is Lyons' teammate on Team USA.

Taylor Winnett, para-swimming

Winnett, from Hershey, started swimming at 4 years old. Her mom coaches and her sister also swam. She won seven medals (three gold, four silver) at the 2023 Parapan American Games, the most of any U.S. athlete there.

Gemma Wollenschlaeger, para-rowing

A junior at Temple, Wollenschlaeger was born with a clubfoot and — in addition to dealing with bullying — tried many sports before her sister helped her find rowing in high school. Now she'll compete in her first Paralympics.