On Wednesday, Paris officially commenced the 2024 Paralympic Games with a grand opening ceremony in the heart of the city, just weeks after the conclusion of the Olympics. This nearly four-hour event took place in a picturesque setting against the backdrop of a setting sun, where thousands of athletes paraded along the iconic Champs-Elysées avenue toward the Place de la Concorde, with French President Emmanuel Macron formally declaring the Games open.

Approximately 50,000 spectators gathered in stands surrounding the historic square, notable for its ancient Egyptian Obelisk. To ensure accessibility for athletes with mobility impairments, strips of asphalt were laid down along the parade route and the square, facilitating ease for those in wheelchairs. Over 4,000 athletes representing various nations and with diverse disabilities will compete across 22 sports from Thursday until September 8. Organizers report strong interest, with more than 2 million of the 2.8 million available tickets already sold for the events.

In a departure from traditional stadium settings, the opening ceremony mirrored the Olympics held in July. The event featured a stunning display of fighter planes soaring overhead, leaving behind vapors in the red, white, and blue colors of the French flag as delegations were introduced in alphabetical order. The significant presence of countries was also noted, with Brazil leading with over 250 athletes, while others, such as Barbados, fielded smaller teams.

The Ukrainian delegation received an enthusiastic reception, prompting many in the audience to stand in applause. The American team was led by flag bearers Steve Serio and Nicky Nieves, while the French delegation concluded the procession to roaring applause, inspiring a singalong with popular French songs.

Directed by Thomas Jolly, who also helmed the Olympic opening ceremony, the program featured an array of performances from singers, dancers, and musicians, both with and without disabilities, championing a theme of inclusion and resilience against physical challenges. Notably, French singer Lucky Love, who was born with one arm, performed alongside artists in wheelchairs, showcasing the outstanding talents of individuals with disabilities.

Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, emphasized the significance of the Games, asserting his hope that they would ignite an “inclusion revolution” extending beyond sports. He remarked, “The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will illustrate what individuals with disabilities can achieve when barriers to success are dismantled.” He stressed the urgent need for broader inclusion initiatives across all domains, from educational contexts to professional environments.

The ceremonial activities culminated with the Paralympic torch being presented by former Olympic wheelchair tennis gold medalist Michaël Jérémiasz, surrounded by numerous torchbearers. The Olympic cauldron, designed to resemble a hot air balloon, was ignited by five French Paralympians, radiantly lit against the night sky as the Paralympic flag was raised high, adorning the top of the Arc de Triomphe.

While the evening festivities commenced at 8 p.m. local time, enthusiastic fans had gathered earlier in the day under the sweltering sun for prime viewing locations. Volunteers joined Paralympians in a celebration of unity as entertainers engaged the audience amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the dusk.

Tony Estanguet, the president of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, acknowledged the profound achievements of the athletes, dubbing them “immense champions.”

The competition will begin on Thursday, with the first medals awarded in taekwondo, table tennis, swimming, and track cycling, with athletes organized based on their specific impairments to ensure fair participation. The closing ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Stade de France, the national stadium, marking a significant conclusion to this celebrated event.

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