The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games commenced breathtakingly, with a vibrant opening ceremony that paraded athletes along the renowned Champs-Elysees, culminating at the historic Place de la Concorde. Marking a departure from tradition, the ceremony was held outside a stadium, replicating the unique approach taken during the Olympic Games in the French capital. This stunning outdoor event saw approximately 65,000 spectators, many of whom enjoyed the parade along the Avenue des Champs-Elysees from the Arc de Triomphe, before the main festivities at the ticketed event.
The Games are set to bring together 4,400 athletes from 168 delegations, a record number for the Paralympics, who will compete across 22 sports for a total of 549 gold medals. The host country, France, is welcoming the summer Paralympic Games for the first time, setting the stage for 11 days of intense sporting action.
Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, emphasized the significance of the event, describing it as the start of a “Paralympic revolution.” He praised the athletes for their perseverance, stating, “When they told you ‘no,’ you continued. You have no limits, so let us stop imposing limits on you.” Estanguet’s powerful message resonated with the spirit of the Games, as he called for a societal shift in perspectives and attitudes towards people with disabilities.
The artistic vision of the ceremony, led by director Thomas Jolly, aimed to showcase the athletes and the values they represent. Held at the Place de la Concorde, the largest square in Paris, the event highlighted the city’s commitment to inclusivity and the importance of integrating people with disabilities into the heart of society. The contrast between the torrential rain during the Olympic Games and the golden skies that graced the Paralympic opening ceremony was a testament to the grandeur of the occasion.
Former Paralympic swimmer Theo Curin played a central role in the ceremony, guiding athletes in a taxi adorned with the Paris 2024 mascot, Phryges, adapted for the Paralympics with a running blade. The event also featured artistic performances by individuals with disabilities, underscoring the paradox of a world that claims to be inclusive but is still riddled with prejudice.
The ceremony concluded with a spectacular aerial display by the Patrouille de France, releasing blue, white, and red smoke in the colors of the French Tricolore. French singer Christine and the Queens also graced the stage, adding to the vibrant atmosphere at the Place de la Concorde. As the Games begin, the Paralympic “revolution” has indeed started in style, with Paris setting a powerful example of inclusivity and athletic excellence.
