Team USA Paralympians return to Utah


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SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City welcomed home dozens of Team USA Paralympians on Tuesday as they returned from the international stage in Italy.

Delta Air Lines greeted the athletes with a warm reception at Salt Lake City International Airport, marking a special moment for both fans and the athletes.

The terminal was filled with excitement as family, friends and supporters waved signs, shook pompoms, and cheered loudly for the returning team.

A welcome home ceremony for Utah Paralympians at Salt Lake City International Airport, Tuesday. It marked a special moment for fans and athletes.
A welcome home ceremony for Utah Paralympians at Salt Lake City International Airport, Tuesday. It marked a special moment for fans and athletes. (Photo: Mark Wetzel, KSL)

Among the athletes, Paralympic hockey gold medalist Declan Farmer reflected on the significance of the journey.

"It means so much. You know you're representing your country, family, communities when you go overseas, but at a Paralympics it's even bigger than the country," Farmer said.

For Farmer, the Paralympic Games are about more than winning medals; they're about being part of a worldwide movement promoting openness in sports.

"At a Paralympic Games, it's about a global movement for more inclusivity in sport, and it's really special to be a part of that," he added.

The athletes return home not only with medals but also with experiences that inspire their communities and the next generation of Paralympians. As they celebrate their accomplishments, they also begin the next chapter of their Paralympic journeys, carrying forward the spirit of resilience, dedication and teamwork that defines Team USA.

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Tyrese Boone, KSLTyrese Boone
Tyrese Boone is a Morning Reporter at KSL-TV. Born and raised in Beaumont, Texas, he graduated from the University of North Texas with a bachelor's degree in Digital & Print Journalism. He began his career as a crime and courts reporter at The Victoria Advocate newspaper before transitioning to television news as a Weekend News Anchor and Multimedia Journalist at KRIS 6 News in Corpus Christi. Tyrese’s background also includes internships with TMZ, the Indoor Football League, and Stack Sports. He is passionate about community‑focused storytelling.

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