In an exciting development for Greater Fort Lauderdale, Visit Lauderdale, the destination marketing organization, has partnered with Paralympic hopeful Abbas Karimi. Born without arms in war-torn Afghanistan, Karimi’s resilience and talent have led him to pursue swimming and aim for the Paris Paralympics in August. Karimi’s journey is remarkable. From learning to swim in the rivers of Kabul to relocating to Greater Fort Lauderdale, his determination knows no bounds. Initially destined for the Tokyo Paralympics, Karimi’s plans were disrupted by the pandemic. However, a twist of fate brought him to Greater Fort Lauderdale, where he joined the Swim Fort Lauderdale Masters Swim Team. Upon discovering Karimi’s story, Visit Lauderdale, known for promoting accessible tourism, was eager to connect with him. As an accessibility ambassador, Visit Lauderdale will accompany Karimi to his favorite spots in Greater Fort Lauderdale, showcasing their accessibility. His remarkable journey will be shared through social media campaigns, special appearances, and publicity efforts, shedding light on his training regimen and daily life beyond the pool. Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale, has also expressed admiration for Karimi’s talent and determination. As Karimi continues his journey towards the Paris Paralympics, Visit Lauderdale stands by him, supporting his endeavors and sharing his story with the world. For more on Abbas Karimi and his swimming career, visit AbbasKarimi.com. Visit Lauderdale. Everyone under the sun.
