As part of Visit Lauderdale’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity on a global stage – the official destination marketing organization of Greater Fort Lauderdale – proudly announces its official partnership with the U.S. Paralympics Swimming Team. More than 4,000 para-athletes will compete in the 2024 Paris Paralympics starting in August and Visit Lauderdale’s newest ambassador, Abbas Karimi, will join them as part of the U.S. Paralympics Swim Team.
Abbas Karimi, a local hero and talented para-athlete, is set to compete in the Paris 2024 Paralympics as a member of the U.S. Paralympics Swim Team. Born in war-torn Afghanistan without arms, Karimi’s journey to becoming a top swimmer is nothing short of inspiring.
Karimi first learned to swim in the rivers of Kabul. Despite his physical challenges, his determination and talent were evident from an early age. As he honed his skills, he transitioned from rivers to pools, setting his sights on international competition. Now residing in Greater Fort Lauderdale, Karimi trains six days a week at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center, preparing for his moment on the world stage.
Karimi’s dedication and hard work have already earned him significant recognition. He has won six international medals and 25 national medals. In 2023, he secured his spot on Team USA for the World Para Swimming Championships in Portugal, further proving his place among the world’s elite para-swimmers.
Karimi will swim at the Paris Paralympics starting August 28, joining more than 4,000 para-athletes from around the globe. His participation in the Paralympics not only highlights his personal achievements but also brings attention to the strength and potential of para-athletes everywhere.
For more information on Abbas Karimi and the U.S. Paralympics Swim Team, visit TeamUSA.com.
About U.S. Paralympics Swimming
U.S. Paralympics Swimming serves as the national governing body for Para swimming in the United States. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S. Paralympics Swimming is a division of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. U.S. Paralympics Swimming is committed to promoting and growing Para swimming in the United States by enabling athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence. In addition to overseeing domestic competition opportunities, U.S. Paralympics Swimming is responsible for the selection and training of U.S. teams for international competition including world championships, ParaPan American Games, and the Paralympic Games. Para swimming for men and women has been a part of the Paralympic program since the first Games in 1960 in Rome, Italy.
About Visit Lauderdale
Visit Lauderdale is the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale and serves as the tourism department for Broward County, Florida. Visit Lauderdale promotes the area’s 31 municipalities to a global audience of leisure and business travelers as the ideal place for Everyone Under the Sun in recognition of the area’s diverse and welcoming vibe, and books conventions into the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center and area hotels and resorts. Find more information at visitlauderdale.com and follow @VisitLauderdale on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
