The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games commenced with a groundbreaking opening ceremony, the first of its kind to occur outside a traditional stadium setting. This remarkable event took place in the iconic Place de la Concorde, where athletes representing 168 delegations paraded, marking a historic moment for both the city of Paris and the global Para sports community. The square, transformed into a grand open-air arena, served as a stunning backdrop for a celebration of inclusivity and athletic excellence, culminating in the lighting of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Cauldron, which illuminated the Parisian skyline with the Paralympic Flame.

Under the artistic direction of Alexander Ekman, appointed by Thomas Jolly, the ceremony featured an impressive ensemble of 500 artists, including over 140 dancers and 16 performers with disabilities. The design, orchestrated by Bruno Delavenère, accentuated the historical significance of the landmark while creatively showcasing the athletes through innovative choreography and vibrant costumes by emerging designer Louis Gabriel Nouchi. The event attracted an audience of 15,000 at the foot of the Champs-Elysées and 35,000 overall in the square, as it delivered a poignant message around the theme of inclusion and the rightful place of individuals with disabilities in society.

The ceremony began with a fervent performance of the Paralympic Oath by esteemed French Para athletes Sandrine Martinet and Arnaud Assoumani. Subsequently, the flag was ceremoniously presented by John McFall, a Paralympian and astronaut, alongside Damien Seguin, an accomplished sailor and three-time medallist.

An emotional musical program accompanied the spectacle, featuring performances from renowned artists. Canadian musician Chilly Gonzales commenced the evening with an original piece, followed by Christine and the Queens’ powerful rendition of Edith Piaf’s classic “Non, je ne regrette rien.” Each musical segment built upon the narrative of the evening, culminating in a vibrant celebration led by Christine and the Queens, performing the disco classic “Born to Be Alive,” which resonated with joy and optimism.

In a testament to the interconnectedness of the Olympic and Paralympic movements, the ceremonial torch was carried by Florent Manaudou, an Olympic medallist, to symbolize the unity between both events. The Paralympic Flame was eventually passed on to Michael Jeremiasz, the chef de mission for the French delegation. The ceremony also honored leading figures in Paralympic sport, including Italy’s Bebe Vio, American Oksana Masters, and Germany’s Markus Rehm, celebrating the remarkable achievements of these athletes on a global scale.

As the event progressed, the Paralympic torch relay, witnessed by an audience of 600,000 over several days, signified the culmination of teamwork and dedication. The final torchbearers, all members of the French Paralympic team, ignited the Cauldron with an innovative display powered entirely by electricity, showcasing the partnership with EDF, the Premium Partner of Paris 2024.

The opening ceremony concluded with an exhilarating display of artistic expression, wherein the Place de la Concorde was illuminated and animated, embodying the spirit of hope and celebration inherent in the ideals of the Paralympic movement. The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games commenced with an atmosphere of festivity, signaling the beginning of a remarkable chapter in inclusive sport history, as both participants and spectators eagerly anticipated the competitions ahead.

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