As August draws to a close, Paris is gearing up for the start of the 2024 Paralympic Games, set to take place from August 28 to September 8. Following the conclusion of the Summer Olympics, the city now turns its attention to welcoming approximately 4,400 athletes who will compete across 23 different disciplines.
One of the most anticipated events is the Paralympics opening ceremony, which will take place on Wednesday, marking the first time this event is being held outside a stadium. The historic Place de la Concorde, a hub for Olympic events like skateboarding and 3×3 basketball, has been undergoing significant construction work since the Olympics ended on August 11, transforming it into the stage for this momentous occasion.
Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, expressed his desire to carry forward the excitement generated by the Olympics while focusing on raising awareness about disability discrimination. “We want to see how, at our level and with humility, we can contribute to changing this view of disability,” Estanguet said during a ceremony in Stoke Mandeville, UK, where the Paralympic flame began its journey to Paris.
In preparation for the games, Olympic venues across the city have been adapted for Paralympic events. The Palace of Versailles will host para-equestrian competitions, while the Grand Palais is set to welcome wheelchair fencing. Meanwhile, the iconic venue beneath the Eiffel Tower, which previously hosted beach volleyball, will now be the stage for blind football—a unique adaptation of soccer for visually impaired players.
Security remains a top priority despite the reduced crowds in the city. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has confirmed the deployment of 25,000 police officers to ensure the safety of athletes and spectators alike.
Organizers have promised an extraordinary opening ceremony to set the tone for the Games, emphasizing inclusivity and changing perceptions of disability. The Paris 2024 Paralympics will run until September 8, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their talents on the world stage.
