GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (July 3, 2024) – 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.

The Paralympic Games are an international, multi-sport competition for athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual impairments. Partnering with the 2024 U.S. Paralympics Swimming Team exemplifies Visit Lauderdale's mission to connect with “Everyone Under the Sun” and ensure that all people feel heard, supported, and welcomed in Greater Fort Lauderdale.

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. Karimi was born in war-torn Afghanistan without arms. He learned to swim in the rivers of Kabul, and as his innate talent grew, he progressed to swimming in pools. Now, Karimi – a Greater Fort Lauderdale resident – trains six days a week at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center.

“We are incredibly honored to support the U.S. Paralympics Swimming Team. This has been a major year of activations, and we're looking forward to taking our message of inclusivity and accessibility to an international sporting event. We are cheering for all the swimmers including Abbas Karimi, our hometown favorite, as he prepares to win a gold medal in Paris,” said Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale.

“The partnership with Visit Lauderdale is an incredible opportunity to showcase the Team USA Paralympic swimming team to more fans across the nation,” said Erin Popovich, director of U.S. Paralympics Swimming. “Their commitment to inclusivity aligns deeply with our mission of bringing Para sport in front of more fans across America.”

Karimi will swim at the Paris Paralympics starting August 28 and will compete with athletes from around the world. Karimi has already earned six international medals, 25 national medals, and in 2023, he made Team USA for the World Para Swimming Championships in Portugal.

For more information on the U.S. Paralympics Swim Team, visit TeamUSA.com.

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About Greater Fort Lauderdale 

With 24 miles of golden sand beaches and 300+ miles of navigable waterways, Greater Fort Lauderdale is known as the Venice of America and Yachting Capital of the World. The area boasts an average year-round temperature of 77˚F, has 3,000+ hours of annual sunshine, and is home to 31 unique municipalities, including eight distinct beach communities, each offering something for “everyone under the sun.” Residents hailing from 170 countries, speaking 147 languages call this diverse destination home. And there's good reason, including the area's unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Upon arrival at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), a five-minute drive will get you to the beach, Port Everglades, the newly expanded Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, and a bustling downtown. Experience 4,000+ eateries, a thriving arts and culture scene, craft breweries, stunning rooftop bars, fishing, diving, and the unmatched beauty of the Florida Everglades. From world-class shopping, to boating, yachts and superyachts all moored at the area's many marinas, it's no wonder Greater Fort Lauderdale is one of the most desirable places to stay, work and play. The destination has more than 38,000 unique lodging accommodations at a variety of hotels, luxury spa resorts, and beautifully appointed, boutique properties, all reflecting the area's cosmopolitan vibe. Find inspiration for your next trip at visitlauderdale.com and follow @VisitLauderdale on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. 

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.

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.