https://www.paralympic.org/paris-2024/news/khudadadi-wins-first-ever-medal-refugee-paralympic-teamWhat do you see in the picture, where it it, which country has that flag?
The first picture shows Zakia Khudadadi who won bronze in taekwondo at the Paralympics this year.
The second picture shows Guillaume Junior Atangana who won bronze in the men's 400m.
Zakia was the ever refugee Paralympic team athlete to win a medal and Guillaume was the second.
Zakia says, "I am so proud of this flag because today I am a refugee. Today I am a refugee. I worked hard these three years and there were problems that I had but that is in the past."
Guillaume says, "I am very happy to have this medal. It shows that the Paralympic movement is galvanising for refugees and it is an honour for me: I wrote my name in history. The message I have for all refugees in the world is to believe in yourself."
Guillaume says that competing in Paris sends a message to other refugees and people with disabilities that anything is possible. "I want to show the world that being blind doesn't mean your life is over, you can still do great things."
In the photo, Zakia is holding the flag under which the refugee team compete at the Paralympics.
When Zakia competed, many of the French public were supporting her, cheering her on with every bout of the game.
Zakia says, "For three years I have been a professional taekwondoka, and today I have won because behind me there is the French republic, the refugee team and my best coach, Haby Naire. We've all won today."
Zakia escaped from her home country in 2020 and started a new life in France, where she says there were challenges she had to face; "When I became a refugee in Paris, I tried to become stronger than before. Those two years were proof that we can do what we want, despite the difficulties."
"I want to give this medal to the whole world. I hope that one day there will be freedom in my country, for all the world, for all the girls, for all the women, for all the refugees in the world. And that all of us work towards that, for liberty and equality."
"I am the first female Paralympic refugee, Afghan, winning a bronze medal. For me, this is like life. I am here to continue for gold in Los Angeles."
Zakia is the flag bearer for the refugee team at the closing ceremony and will lead them out. Eight refugee athletes and one guide runner competed in the Paralympics this year.
The UN high commissioner for protection says, the reception for the refugee team in Paris has been overwhelmingly positive; "They are a symbol of perseverance and hope and spectators have united in support for the athletes. It's a reminder that people everywhere crave the same things in life: safety and a chance to fulfill their dreams."
What is a refugee?
How does someone become a refugee, is it a choice you make?
What is the Paralympics for?
"I want to show the world that being blind doesn't mean your life is over, you can still do great things." Why does Guillaume say that?
Why have a refugee team? Why doesn't Zakia compete under an Afghan flag?
Zakia says she is proud of the flag. Why is she proud to be a refugee?
How is the Paralympics galvanising for refugees?
What do liberty and equality mean?
Some people say refugees are not welcome. Why?
Why were French people in the crowd cheering for an athlete who was not French?
"They are a symbol of perseverance and hope" - why?
"people everywhere crave the same things in life: safety and a chance to fulfill their dreams."- do you agree?
What is the law in the UK about difference, who is included in that law? (Equality Act 2010)
What do we say at our school about being different, speaking a different language, being born in a different country or having a different religion?
Why is this story about No Outsiders?
Which British value is the story about?
No Outsiders: We belong here by Andrew Moffat (scheme of work for primary schools)
