The Paralympic Opening Ceremony: An Overview
The Paralympic Games are set to inaugurate with a grand opening ceremony on Wednesday, August 28th. Departing from the customary stationary setting, the ceremony will unfold outdoors, spanning from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde in Paris. Artistic director Thomas Jolly aims to captivate the audience with a spectacle that will transform the City of Light into a monumental stage for nearly three hours. An estimated 50,000 spectators are expected to attend the event, and it will be broadcast live on France 2 from 7:40 PM.
The Celebratory Parade
The Champs-Elysées will host a “people’s parade,” where 184 delegations representing the 22 sports in the Paralympic competition will descend from the Arc de Triomphe. A total of 4,400 para-athletes, including 240 from France, are anticipated to participate in the parade. Nantenin Keïta and Alexis Hanquinquant will proudly carry the flag for the French delegation. The first part of the ceremony, the celebratory parade down the Champs-Elysées, will be open to the public free of charge.
Artistic Sequence at Place de la Concorde
Following the parade, a ceremonial and artistic sequence will unfold at the Place de la Concorde on a 4,500-square-meter stage surrounded by seating. Tickets for this part of the event are available for purchase, priced from 150 euros to 700 euros. The lighting of the Olympic cauldron will mark the commencement of this segment, rekindling the Parisian sky after being extinguished since the conclusion of the Olympic Games.
Choreography and Performance
Renowned Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman is at the helm of choreography and staging. Ekman, celebrated for his grandeur stage designs, has integrated dancers with disabilities to ensure inclusivity at the ceremony. The musical component of the ceremony has been entrusted to Victor Le Masne, the composer of the Olympic Games anthem, “Parade.” A multitude of artists will join the para-sport stars on the Place de la Concorde, enhancing the artistic essence of the event.
Inclusive Arrangements for People with Disabilities
Special seating arrangements have been made for individuals with disabilities and their companions. However, further details regarding accessibility arrangements for the inauguration ceremony have not been disclosed.
Security Measures and Traffic Regulations
Fifteen thousand law enforcement personnel will be mobilized to oversee the event. With the expectation of 50,000 spectators, stringent security measures will be in place. Limited traffic will be enforced around the ceremony site, permitting only pedestrians, cyclists, and authorized motorized traffic to enter the area.
The grand opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games is not only a celebration of athleticism but also a testament to inclusivity and artistic excellence. As the event approaches, the anticipation and excitement continue to build among fans, athletes, and spectators alike.
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