2024 Paralympics Commence in Paris with a Historic Opening Ceremony
The 2024 Paralympics officially commenced in Paris on Thursday, led by French President Emmanuel Macron, thus marking the beginning of an impressive 11-day competition period. The opening ceremony, a spectacular celebration of inclusivity and diversity, is notable for being the first of its kind held away from the main stadium, taking place at the picturesque Place de la Concorde in central Paris. As sunset illuminated the scene, 4,400 athletes from 168 delegations paraded into the square, with the French contingent receiving a standing ovation before a spirited audience of 30,000.
The event was bathed in pleasant weather, contrasting sharply with the inclement conditions at the Olympics opening ceremony. Among the evening’s highlights was a heartfelt performance by French artist Lucky Love, who, despite being an above-elbow amputee, captivated attendees with his song “My Ability,” supported by a diverse array of able-bodied and disabled dancers.
Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), expressed a vision of an “inclusion revolution” to the gathered athletes and spectators, underscoring the significance of the moment. Following Parsons’s remarks, President Macron formally declared the Games open, leading to the ceremonial lighting of the Olympic cauldron situated in the Tuileries Gardens, a much-anticipated focal point since its introduction at the Olympics.
Eighteen of the thirty-five Olympic venues will host the Paralympic events, including the magnificent Grand Palais and Stade de France. With ticket sales exceeding two million out of the 2.5 million available, interest in the Games remains robust, with several venues already sold out. The decision to host the Paralympic ceremony in the heart of Paris, particularly in a city where public transport systems often lack adequate provisions for wheelchair users, has been seen as a powerful political statement of inclusion, as articulated by theatre director Thomas Jolly who curated the ceremony.
France aims to improve its medal count significantly, following a total of 11 gold medals at the previous Paralympics held in Tokyo, where they ranked 14th overall. China, a dominant contender with 96 gold medals in Tokyo, has again fielded a formidable team. Ukraine, despite facing significant challenges due to ongoing conflict, has sent a team of 140 athletes to compete across 17 sports. Furthermore, athletes from Russia and Belarus will participate under a neutral flag, although they are precluded from the opening and closing ceremonies due to geopolitical circumstances.
Among the anticipated stars of this edition is American sprinter and high jumper Ezra Frech, who competes as an above-the-knee amputee. Established athletes will also vie for glory, including sitting volleyball icon Morteza Mehrzad and Italian fencer Beatrice Vio, who has overcome profound challenges throughout her career.
The Paralympics convey a message that transcends athletic competition. President Parsons has emphasized the necessity of elevating issues affecting individuals with disabilities onto the global agenda, remarking that this edition offers a unique opportunity to reshape societal perceptions of disability worldwide. As the Games progress, a prominent focus will remain on advocating for greater awareness and prioritization of the rights and needs of persons with disabilities.
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