Overview of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony and Final Day Events
As the highly anticipated Paris 2024 Paralympic Games draws to a close, the Closing Ceremony will take place on Sunday, September 8, 2024. This momentous event marks the end of the inaugural Paralympic Games hosted in France’s capital, which has celebrated remarkable achievements and unforgettable moments over the last twelve days.
Among the noteworthy highlights, British archer Jodie Grinham made history by becoming the first athlete to earn a Paralympic medal while pregnant. Furthermore, taekwondo practitioner Zakia Khudadadi represented a significant milestone for the Refugee Paralympic Team, winning their first-ever medal in the Games. American athlete Matt Stutzman, known as the “armless archer,” triumphed 12 years after securing a silver medal at the London 2012 Paralympics, this time claiming gold.
The iconic Stade de France will serve as the backdrop for this grand celebration, which will honor the accomplishments of the 4,400 athletes representing 168 national delegations. The ceremony, slated to commence at 20:30 local time, will feature a vibrant performance by 24 artists from the French electronic music scene, embracing the spirit of the Games.
The formal proceedings will include speeches, national anthems, acknowledgments of the dedicated volunteers, and the ceremonial transfer of the Paralympic flag to the upcoming host city, Los Angeles, which is set to host the Games in 2028. Artistic director Thomas Jolly, recognized for his contributions to both the Olympic and Paralympic Ceremonies, will undoubtedly infuse his unique vision into the event, culminating in a celebratory atmosphere anchored by the iconic molten chocolate muffins that have become a focal point during the Games.
While the specifics of the Closing Ceremony remain largely confidential, recent announcements from Los Angeles reveal that Tony Award-winning actress Ali Stroker will perform the US national anthem during the Handover Ceremony. Additionally, performances by esteemed artists including jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker, violinist and singer-songwriter Gaelynn Lea, rapper and athlete Garnett Silver-Hall, and performing artist Anderson .Paak will take place against the picturesque backdrop of Venice Beach.
The final day of competition highlights a series of thrilling events, including Para athletics, Para powerlifting, Para canoeing, and wheelchair basketball. Spectators will witness the conclusion of the women’s wheelchair basketball tournament, with the bronze medal match at 09:30, followed by the championship showdown at 12:45. Also, Paralympic legend Marcel Hug will participate in the men’s T54 marathon, commencing at 07:00, in pursuit of his third consecutive title in this category.
The last event of these Paralympic Games will be the exciting finals of Para powerlifting, featuring competitions in the women’s over 86 kg and the men’s over 107 kg categories. With the final weights lifted, the sporting events of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will conclude, leading into a night filled with celebration.
For those wishing to experience the Closing Ceremony and the day’s competitive events, coverage will be available via the Paralympic YouTube Channel and the International Paralympic Committee’s website, though it is recommended to check for any geo-blocking regulations. For a comprehensive list of global broadcasters, please refer to the IPC’s resources.
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