Peru’s and Ireland’s flagbearers for Rio 2016 announced

Cyclist Israel Hilario Rimas and sailor John Twomey will carry Peru’s and Ireland’s flags, respectively, at the Opening Ceremony of September’s Paralympic Games. 21 Jul 2016
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Peru's Israel Hilario Rimas celebrates gold at the 2015 UCI Para-Cycling Road World Championships.

Peru's Israel Hilario Rimas celebrates gold at the 2015 UCI Para-Cycling Road World Championships.

ⒸJean-Baptiste Benavent/UCI
By Paralympics Ireland and National Paralympic Association of Peru

“I am so honoured and absolutely delighted to be asked to be the flagbearer for the 2016 Irish Paralympic Team,”

Cyclist Israel Hilario Rimas has been chosen to carry Peru’s flag and John Twomey has been named as Ireland’s flagbearer for the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

After claiming gold at two UCI World Cup road races in Maniago, Italy, and Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland, Rimas went on to win his first world title in the road race C2 at the 2015 UCI Para cycling Road World Championships in Nottwil, Switzerland.

In Rio, he seeks to become the first Peruvian to win a Paralympic gold in 16 years. “I want to compete at Rio 2016 with dignity and humility. I want to show the world what a Peruvian can do. Winning a medal would be fantastic,” he said.

10-time Paralympian John Twomey will be Ireland’s flagbearer in the Maracana stadium on 7 September.

“I am so honoured and absolutely delighted to be asked to be the flagbearer for the 2016 Irish Paralympic Team,” said Twomey, who won athletics gold in the then discus throw 2 at Seoul 1988.

“It will be a fantastic honour to lead the team out in Rio with the tricolour held high.

“It is brilliant for me and also for my family, who have supported me every step of the way. This year’s Games will definitely be my last Paralympic Games so it is a fantastic way to finish off a long and memorable Paralympic career.”

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The IPC’s Global ATR is Jet Set Sports, and Rio 2016 tickets and packages can be purchased on the CoSport website.

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