Paris Paralympics Concludes, Capping an Exciting Olympic Summer in the French Capital
The Paris Paralympics concluded on Sunday, marking the end of the spectacular summer of sports held in the French capital, which began with an impressive opening ceremony on the Seine River on July 26 amidst heavy rain. Artistic director Thomas Jolly invited attendees to a grand dance party at the Stade de France as the event drew to a close, celebrating the achievements of over 4,000 Paralympic athletes while also illuminating the stadium in the colors of the French national flag.
The festivities saw a vibrant performance that included the playing of the national anthem “La Marseillaise” and the entry of flag bearers to the sound of Vangelis’s “Chariots of Fire,” creating an inspiring atmosphere. In keeping with Jolly’s vision, renowned French electronic music composer Jean-Michel Jarre headlined the closing ceremony, transforming the stadium into an expansive dance venue where more than 20 prominent DJs paid homage to the essence of French electronic music under the captivating theme, “Journey of the Wave.”
Despite initial skepticism regarding the continuance of enthusiasm from the prior Olympics into the Paralympics, the support proved unwavering. A remarkable 2.4 million tickets were sold out of the 2.8 million available, second only to the 2012 London Games. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given that only 1 million tickets had been sold at the end of June. While some Parisians left the city due to concerns over potential chaos and security issues, those who remained, along with visitors from surrounding areas, provided a robust backing for the athletes throughout both Games.
During the Olympics, France proudly achieved 16 gold medals among a total of 64, securing fifth place in the overall medal tally, while the Paralympic Games resulted in 75 medals for the nation. French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the events as a success, commending the transport operations and overall organization, which notably featured minimal logistical hiccups and a rare positive interaction between police and attendees.
However, it remains to be seen how long this prevailing positive sentiment will last amidst ongoing public discontent, as evidenced by protests in response to the president’s appointment of a conservative prime minister. Crowd reactions at the closing ceremony included some boos directed at Macron, prompting reflection on the complexities of French society amidst jubilant celebrations.
(FRANCE 24 with AP)
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