Rafik Arabat

Started: He began powerlifting in 2004. Prior to that he tried swimming, archery and fencing, among other sports. He began competing in Para powerlifting at age 16. (iledefrance.fr, 20 May 2024; Facebook page, 14 Jan 2019) Reason: He originally began powerlifting to help with his mobility, and eventually became passionate about surpassing his limits. "It's the only time, other than when I am sleeping, that I can leave my wheelchair behind. When we lie down under the bar, the chair is forgotten and we are all equal." (ville-la-courneuve.fr, 01 Apr 2008; Athlete, 04 Dec 2017; Facebook page, 14 Jan 2019) Additional Info: FAMILY HERITAGE He was born in France to a family with Moroccan origins. (taghbalut.wordpress.com, 28 May 2018) SPORTS ASSOCIATION In 2021 he established the HAN'TRAIDE sports association, which aims to help create job opportunities and provide support for people with an impairment. "We are sensitive to the challenges of impaired people. The association would also like to support people with disabilities in their administrative and professional procedures. We are passionate about sports and we want to integrate sports workshops into our training programmes with the goal of strengthening the social cohesion. Through our action we want to highlight and demystify taboos and prejudices around disability." (Facebook page, 25 Feb 2021)