The Grand Finale of the 2024 Paralympic Games: A Celebration of Inclusivity and Achievement
The 2024 Paralympic Games marked a triumphant conclusion to a summer of sports in Paris, culminating in a spectacular closing ceremony on Sunday evening. More than 4,000 athletes representing various physical, visual, and intellectual abilities competed across 22 sports from August 29 to September 8, showcasing their extraordinary talents and dedication.
China emerged as the dominant force during these games, topping the gold medal tally with an impressive 94 gold medals and setting 29 world records across multiple disciplines, including swimming, athletics, and table tennis. Great Britain secured second place with 49 gold medals, while the United States rounded out the top three with 36 gold medals.
The event not only aimed to promote inclusivity for individuals with disabilities but also set new records, including the highest number of participating delegations at 169 and ticket sales exceeding 2.4 million out of 2.5 million available.
The closing ceremony commenced at 8:30 p.m. CEST (2:30 p.m. ET) at the prestigious Stade de France, mirroring the grandeur of the Olympic Closing Ceremony with an anticipated duration of approximately two hours. The festivities featured musical performances that highlighted the French electronic music scene, with renowned composer Jean-Michel Jarre opening and closing the ceremony. Notable appearances were made by 24 prominent French electronic artists.
Artistic direction for this memorable event was undertaken by Thomas Jolly, who also directed both the Olympic and Paralympic opening ceremonies, while Victor le Masne served as the musical director and Romain Pissenem acted as the festival’s director/designer. Additionally, French singer Santa, known for her contributions to the electropop genre, alongside the Grammy-nominated duo Amadou and Mariam from Mali, enchanted the audience.
A significant moment of the ceremony was the handover to Los Angeles, the host city for the upcoming 2028 Paralympic Games. LA28 Chairperson and President Casey Wasserman remarked on the historic significance of this transfer, emphasizing the opportunity to highlight the Paralympic Movement through a collaborative celebration of allies, artists, and advocates.
The handover was accompanied by inspiring performances from Team USA Paralympians and Los Angeles residents Samantha Bosco, Ezra Frech, and Jamal Hill. The event concluded with a stirring rendition of the United States national anthem, performed by Tony Award-winning actress Ali Stroker, who made history as the first wheelchair user to perform on a Broadway stage. Following her performance, the LA28 Paralympic Handover was announced, promising to showcase the vibrant spirit of music and adaptive sports, set against the backdrop of Los Angeles’ iconic Venice Beach.
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