Today marks the grand opening of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, a significant event that will be attended by Italy’s President, Sergio Mattarella. The ceremony will be held in the iconic Place de la Concorde, situated in the heart of Paris. Approximately 4,400 athletes, accompanied by 2,500 companions, representing 184 delegations, are expected to participate in this prestigious gathering, which anticipates an audience of around 65,000 spectators.

The Games will feature an extensive program comprising 22 sports across 23 different disciplines, culminating in 549 events over the span of 11 days. Notably, Italy is set to compete in 17 disciplines, an increase from the 15 disciplines contested in Tokyo 2020. The Italian delegation consists of 141 athletes, marking an increase of 26 athletes from the previous Games, making this the largest Italian representation in the history of the Paralympics.

Swimming remains a focal point for the Italian team, with a contingent of 28 swimmers participating in the Games, which is anticipated to yield significant medal opportunities. Reflections on the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics reveal that Italian swimmers secured an impressive 39 podium placements, including 11 gold, 16 silver, and 12 bronze medals, following their outstanding performances at the 2023 World Championships and the 2024 European Championships where they claimed overall victory in both competitions. The standout swimmer from Tokyo 2020, Stefano Raimondi, achieved recognition by earning seven medals, comprising one gold, four silvers, and two bronzes.

Expectations for medals extend beyond the swimming pool, as Italian athletes in athletics and cycling are also poised for success. In athletics, Ambra Sabatini, who will serve as Italy’s flag-bearer, is a key athlete to watch in the T63 category, alongside her fellow competitors, Martina Caironi and Monica Contrafatto, who all secured gold, silver, and bronze positions in the 100 meters at the Tokyo Games.

In cycling, Luca Mazzone, who will also represent Italy as a standard-bearer, has a strong record, having accumulated three gold and three silver medals from Rio 2016 to Tokyo 2020, in addition to two silver medals in swimming at the Sydney 2000 Games. The fencing team will be led by Beatrice Vio Grandis, an accomplished athlete with two golds, a silver, and a bronze from her previous Paralympic participations.

Attention will also be given to combat sports, with Antonino Bossolo competing in taekwondo and the judo team featuring talented athletes such as Carolina Costa and Dongdong Camanni.

For the first time, badminton will be included in the Paralympic roster, represented by Rosa Efomo De Marco, who will proudly defend Italy’s colors in this new category.

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games promise to deliver extraordinary athletic performances and foster inspiration as athletes from around the world unite to showcase their talents and determination.

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