Paris 2024: A Resounding Conclusion to the Paralympics with a Spectacular Marathon

Sports John Brightwater September 8, 2024

Paris 2024: A Resounding Conclusion to the Paralympics with a Spectacular Marathon

Paris 2024: A Resounding Conclusion to the Paralympics with a Spectacular Marathon
As the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games draw to a close, the final day, Day 11, promises an exhilarating finale with the awarding of medals in Para athletics, powerlifting, canoeing, and wheelchair basketball. This significant day culminates in a grand Closing Ceremony scheduled for September 8, 2024, marking the end of a remarkable sporting event.

### Marathon Concludes Para Athletics
The Para athletics segment, renowned for its extensive participation and multitude of events, reaches its climax on this day with four marathons. Notable athletes to watch include the Swiss wheelchair racing icons, Catherine Debrunner and Marcel Hug, who both seek to excel in their respective categories, the women’s and men’s marathon T54. Additionally, Japan’s Misato Michishita is set to compete fiercely to retain her gold medal from the Tokyo 2020 Games in the women’s marathon T12.

The marathon race will commence in Seine-Saint-Denis, allowing athletes to pass through iconic sites such as Place de la Concorde—where the Opening Ceremony was held—before navigating the historic Champs-Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe, with the finish line situated before the esteemed Esplanades de Invalides.

### Can the Netherlands Retain Their Women’s Basketball Title?
In wheelchair basketball, the Netherlands will face the United States at the Bercy Arena for the gold medal match. As the reigning champions, the Netherlands enter this contest undefeated, while the USA is determined to attain their first gold medal since the Rio 2016 Games. In their prior encounter during the preliminary rounds, the Netherlands bested the USA with a score of 69-56. Will they succeed in replicating this performance in the final? Furthermore, Canada will compete against China in the bronze medal match, with Canada aspiring for their first Paralympic podium finish since Athens 2004.

### Exciting Finals in Para Canoe and Para Powerlifting
The thrilling events continue with the conclusion of Para canoeing and Para powerlifting, wherein five finals will take place at the Vaires-sur-Marne Stadium and four finals at La Chapelle Arena, respectively. Noteworthy mention goes to Folashade Oluwafemiayo from Nigeria, who currently holds the world record of 165 kg in the women’s over 86 kg division in Para powerlifting.

### A Grand Closing Ceremony
The stupendous Stade de France will host the Closing Ceremony, famed for its track and field events. Promised to be a “giant party,” this ceremony will feature artists from the French electronic music scene, celebrating the monumental achievements of approximately 4,400 athletes from across the globe competing in 22 sports.
Lastly, as the Paralympic flag is ceremoniously handed over to Los Angeles, the chosen host city for the 2028 Games, this poignant occasion encapsulates the spirit of unity and triumph inherent in the Paralympics. The Closing Ceremony is highly recommended for viewing, particularly for those who appreciated the enchanting Opening Ceremony on August 28.

In conclusion, Day 11 of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will undoubtedly be a day of exhilarating competition and collective celebration, as it honors not only the athletes’ dedication and achievements but also the values of sportsmanship and inclusivity that the Paralympic movement represents.