Flame still burns brightly for war veterans

The Paralympics' original purpose to rehabilitate disabled World War II veterans is still relevant today, as many of their successors maimed in more recent conflicts thrive in the competitive atmosphere.

- 

Ukrainian Paralympians took up this theme, saying they hoped their exploits would encourage veterans seriously wounded in the ongoing war with Russia to forge a career in Paralympic sports.

One of them, Yevhenii Korinets, competed at the Paris Games that closed on Sept 8. A former professional volleyball player who lost a leg on the front line, he returned to his first love in the sitting volleyball version.

"His example, like that of other Paralympians, can inspire many veterans who have been wounded," Ukraine's Youth and Sports Minister Matviy Bidnyi told AFP.

"It shows the possibility of a full life after injury is very real." Korinets' team ended seventh but two other former veterans did win gold.

South Africa-born British cyclist Jaco van Gass won two and New Zealand-born Australian canoeist Curtis McGrath took a gold to add to successes in previous Games.