Nieves champions multiple causes as Team USA flagbearer Nieves champions multiple causes as Team USA flagbearer

USA’s Nicole Nieves had the honour of carrying the American flag as she led the delegation on Wednesday evening at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony at Place de la Concorde.

This moment was significant, not just for Nieves personally, but also for the sport of sitting volleyball and the wider community she represents.

Nicky, as she is fondly called, is a key player in the USA women’s sitting volleyball team and sees her role as flagbearer as an endorsement from her peers.

“Being the flag bearer just made me feel like the people that just voted have my back and found me worthy enough to carry the flag on behalf of our country,” she said.

Her representation goes beyond that, as she emphasised the broader impact of her role: “It’s representation for everything: for sitting volleyball, putting us out there more on the map; for different individuals, both children and adults, whether male, female, non-binary, whoever you are.”

As a woman of diverse heritage, Nicky is aware of the importance of visibility.

“This is also representation for all of the Afro-Latinos that are just like me, that you don’t get to see much in the sport,” she stated. Her presence as a flagbearer highlights the growing diversity within the Paralympic community.

The 34-year-old is also deeply connected to her work off the court. She coaches young athletes and runs a non-profit organisation, aiming to inspire and support the next generation.

“For women, for my family who put in blood, sweat and tears, for the little kids that I coach, for my non-profit organisation and all the people that I encounter,” she said, reflecting on the many facets of her influence.

Looking ahead, Nieves is excited about the future, particularly with the LA28 Paralympic Games on the horizon.

“Every time I see something while we’re here, I go, ‘Do you see how cool this is here in Paris? LA is gonna be so big!’ Just knowing that these are the steps leading up to the next Paralympics is super exciting.”

For her, carrying the flag went beyond personal pride; it was an opportunity to elevate sitting volleyball and represent the diverse communities she proudly belongs to.

Photo: WPV/Sinisa Kanizaj.