French President Macron opened the Paralympics 2024 Paris, marking the start of 11 days of competition in the city.
Paralympics 2024 Paris – Macron announced the Games open during a lively ceremony at Place de la Concorde with 4,400 athletes from 168 delegations.
As the sun set in Paralympics 2024 Paris France entered last, receiving a standing ovation from 30,000 spectators in the crowded square stands. The sunny weather provided a sharp contrast to the heavy rain during the Olympics opening ceremony on July 26.
French singer Lucky Love, missing his left arm, performed “My Ability” with dancers, creating a memorable highlight.
IPC president Andrew Parsons urged for an “inclusion revolution” before Macron officially declared the Games open.
The ceremony ended with the cauldron being lit in the Tuileries Gardens, a popular attraction since the Olympics. The Paralympics will use 18 of the 35 Olympic venues, including the Grand Palais and Stade de France.
Organisers reported strong ticket sales, with over two million of the 2.5 million available tickets sold, and some venues full.
Thomas Jolly, the director of both ceremonies, highlighted the symbolism of holding the event in central Paris
“Putting Paralympic athletes in the city’s heart shows Paris is not fully adapted for handicapped people,” Jolly stated.
Organisers ensured wheelchair users could access Paris buses and arranged 1,000 specially adapted taxis for better mobility. France aims to surpass its 2021 Paralympic performance, where it won 11 golds and finished 14th in the overall ranking.
China, the top medalist in Tokyo with 96 golds, sent a strong delegation again, aiming to dominate the competition. Ukraine, facing challenges due to the ongoing war, sent 140 athletes competing in 17 sports, showing remarkable resilience.
Ninety-six athletes from Russia and Belarus will compete neutrally, barred from opening and closing ceremonies due to the invasion.New stars emerge at every Paralympics; watch for American Ezra Frech, a sprinter and high jumper, to make headlines.
Returning athletes seek glory, including Iranian volleyball legend Morteza Mehrzad, who stands 8ft 1in, aiming for another gold.Italian fencer Beatrice ‘Bebe’ Vio, who lost all four limbs to meningitis, seeks her third Paralympic title.
