The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games began with a spectacular opening ceremony, as athletes proudly paraded along the Champs-Elysees towards Place de la Concorde under sunny skies. For the first time in the French capital, the Paralympic Games opening ceremony was held outside a stadium, following the trend set by the Olympic Games earlier this year. Thousands of spectators gathered along the iconic route from the Arc de Triomphe, enjoying free views of the parade before the main, ticketed celebration at Place de la Concorde.
Marking the start of 11 days of competition, these are the first summer Paralympic Games hosted by France. About 4,400 athletes from 168 delegations are competing in 22 sports, with 549 gold medals up for grabs. Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee, described the ceremony as the launch of a “Paralympic revolution,” driven by the athletes. He praised their resilience, saying, “When they told you ‘no,’ you continued. Tonight, you challenge us to change our perspectives, our attitudes, and our society, to give everyone their rightful place.”
Artistic director Thomas Jolly promised a ceremony that would celebrate Paralympic Games athletes and their values, and the result did not disappoint. Staging the event at Place de la Concorde, Paris’s largest square, underscored the city’s dedication to inclusion for people with disabilities. In contrast to the rain-soaked opening of the Olympic Games, the Champs-Elysees parade for the Paralympics took place under golden skies.
Former French Paralympic swimmer Theo Curin led the opening segment, transporting athletes in a decorated taxi. The ceremony featured artistic performances by artists with disabilities, focusing on the paradox of a world that claims inclusivity but often falls short. As blue, white, and red smoke filled the sky, French singer Christine and the Queens performed, amplifying the celebratory atmosphere.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer attended to welcome the ParalympicsGB delegation. A festive mood enveloped the crowd as the athletes entered, backed by a stunning sunset over the Arc de Triomphe. ParalympicsGB flag bearers Lucy Shuker and Terry Bywater led their team with pride. Meanwhile, Nantenin Keita and Alexis Hanquinquant held the flag for host nation France, receiving enthusiastic applause as “Les Champs-Elysees” played.
Following speeches by Tony Estanguet and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons, French President Emmanuel Macron officially opened the Games. Parsons emphasized the event’s significance, stating that the global impact of these Games will demonstrate the capabilities of people with disabilities at the highest level. He remarked, “The fact that such opportunities mainly exist only in sport, even in 2024, shows we must do more to promote disability inclusion.” Parsons expressed his hope that these Games would spark a “Paralympic revolution.”
The Paralympic flame was carried to the Jardin des Tuileries by twelve champions, where the cauldron was lit, marking the end of the ceremony with a stunning fireworks display.
Anticipation is high for what IPC President Parsons believes could be “the most spectacular Paralympic Games ever.” Around two million tickets have been sold, with approximately 500,000 still available. Venues from the Olympic Games, such as Stade de France, La Defense Arena, Roland Garros, and Chateau de Versailles, will again host events. The Para-triathlon will take place in central Paris, with the swim leg held in the River Seine.
Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russia and Belarus are banned from participation; however, some athletes from these countries will compete under the Neutral Paralympic Athletes (NPA) delegation. Newcomers Eritrea, Kiribati, and Kosovo are making their Paralympic debuts, while eight athletes will represent the Paralympic Refugee Team. Team ParalympicsGB, composed of 215 athletes, is targeting between 100 and 140 medals.
UK audiences can follow the Paris 2024 Paralympic games on Channel 4, with commentary and updates on BBC Radio 5 Live, and daily live text commentary on the BBC Sport website. On the opening day alone, 22 gold medals will be contested, presenting ample opportunities for ParalympicsGB to shine.
