Ryadh Sallem is more than a successful French Paralympic athlete, he is an activist and entrepreneur known for his many contributions to sport, disability rights and social inclusion. Born on July 13, 1970 in Tunisia, Sallem moved to France at a young age and has since become a prominent figure in both the athletic and social arenas. He is one of the stars of the already inaugurated Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, which promise to be the most mediatic in history (17 editions already) thanks to people like him…. And not only for their sacrifice on the court.
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Ryadh Sallem’s athletic career is marked by versatility and excellence. Despite being born with limb deficiencies – no left hand and legs and malformation in his right hand – he has competed at the highest level in several sports. Although he started out as a swimmer (in 1991 he broke the world record in the 400 freestyle), he is best known for his achievements in wheelchair basketball as the first player without two hands. He is also a wheelchair rugby player and considers himself a “gladiator” when he represents France in different Paralympic Games and World Championships.
Ryadh Sallem during the International Wheelchair Rugby Cup 2023 (P. Baptiste/ABACA/Shutterstock)
HIS ENTREPRENEURIAL SIDE
Beyond his sporting achievements, Sallem is a passionate advocate for the rights of people with disabilities and social inclusion. His successes in sport have helped him gain media attention and work to promote accessibility and equality for people with disabilities, using his platform to challenge stereotypes and drive systemic change. Sallem is the founder of several organizations aimed at promoting social inclusion through sport and culture, including CAP SAAA (Cap Sports Art Aventure Amitié), which organizes sporting events and cultural activities for people with disabilities.
Her awareness-raising work extends to her involvement in various non-profit organizations and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of people with disabilities. He has also been active in raising awareness on environmental issues, linking the fight for social justice with the need for sustainability.
Ryadh Sallem has also ventured into the entrepreneurial world, focusing on creating businesses that have a positive social impact. He has been involved in projects aimed at making products and services more accessible to people with disabilities, thus combining his passions for business and advocacy.
Throughout his career, Sallem has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to sports and society. He is widely respected as a leader and role model in the Paralympic community and beyond. His story is an example of resilience, innovation and tireless pursuit of equality. Ryadh Sallem’s legacy is breaking barriers, whether in sport, business or social activism. She continues to inspire others by demonstrating that disability is not a limitation, but a different way of relating to the world.
