The Paris 2024 Paralympics Kick Off with Stunning Ceremony

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games began with a spectacular opening ceremony, featuring a vibrant parade along the Champs-Elysees to Place de la Concorde. This marked the first time the Paralympics opening ceremony was held outside a stadium in Paris, following the route from the iconic Arc de Triomphe. Organizers estimated 65,000 attendees for the event which allowed spectators to watch the parade for free before the ticketed ceremony at Place de la Concorde.

The opening ceremony showcased a perfect summer evening and included artistic displays and performances that emphasized inclusion and societal issues related to disabilities. Artistic director Thomas Jolly promised a memorable event, and the ceremony delivered with French former Paralympic swimmer Theo Curin featuring prominently. The ceremony included a parade with athletes, performances highlighting inclusivity and an aerial display with the Tricolore colors.

British prime minister Keir Starmer attended to support the ParalympicsGB delegation which included flagbearers Lucy Shuker and Terry Bywater. The ceremony concluded with the lighting of the Paralympic flame, carried by champions such as Nantenin Keita and Alexis Hanquinquant and a stunning firework display. With 4,400 athletes from 168 delegations competing for 549 gold medals, Paris 2024 aims to be a landmark event in the Paralympic movement.

IPC president Andrew Parsons highlighted the need for further progress in disability inclusion, using the ceremony as a platform for change. The Games will feature major venues like Stade de France and Roland Garros with 2 million tickets sold and about 500,000 still available. The event will also see first-time participation from Eritrea, Kiribati, and Kosovo and a Neutral Paralympic Athletes delegation. The UK’s Channel 4 and BBC Radio 5 Live will provide coverage.