Manashimaya
The first-ever Paralympics to be held in Paris, the 2024 Summer Olympics are expected to be a historic and unique occasion. The opening ceremony of this year’s games is expected to be stunning, taking place right in the center of the French city and laying the groundwork for an exciting 11 days of sport.
The Opening Ceremony, which will begin at 20:00 local time on Wednesday, 28 August, will be held at the iconic Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Élysées. This year, 4,400 Paralympic athletes from 184 delegations will participate in the ceremony, which promises to be a dazzling celebration of athleticism and the indomitable spirit of the Paralympic Games. The Artistic Director, Thomas Jolly, has crafted an event that will not only showcase the talents of the athletes but will also highlight the values of determination, courage, and inclusivity. Jolly has described the concept as “first and foremost a magnificent source of inspiration,” with performances set to captivate both live audiences and television viewers worldwide.
In a departure from tradition, the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will take place outside of a stadium. Athletes will parade down the world-famous Champs-Élysées, concluding the ceremony with a grand celebration at Place de la Concorde. This unique setting adds to the historical significance of the event, with thousands of spectators expected to gather in the streets of Paris to witness this momentous occasion. Jitske Visser, Paralympic wheelchair basketball medallist and President of the IPC Athletes’ Commission expressed excitement about the ceremony, calling it an “incredible moment” for athletes who will be surrounded by the charm of Paris.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony will be a powerful symbol of France’s commitment to inclusivity and the advancement of people with disabilities. Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, emphasised the importance of hosting the country’s first Paralympic Games as a way to place the issue of disability inclusion at the forefront of society.
Quick Facts About the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony
• 4,400 athletes
• 184 delegations
• 65,000 spectators
• Over 300 million viewers worldwide
• A parade down the Champs-Élysées to Place de la Concorde
• Four stages with unique artistic performances
As the Opening Ceremony unfolds, the excitement will quickly shift to the competitive events, with the first medals being awarded in Para-Cycling Track, Para Swimming, Para Table Tennis, and Para Taekwondo. By 30 August, the action intensifies as Para Athletics and Shooting Para Sport join the schedule. One athlete to watch is Tanguy de la Forest, a French Shooting Para Sports star who dominated the Lima 2023 World Championships with four gold medals and a bronze. De la Forest will compete in the R4 mixed 10m air rifle standing SH2 event, where he holds the world record.
Additionally, India’s Avani Lekhara, a law student and defending Paralympic champion, will begin her quest to retain her title in the 10m air rifle SH1 event. With qualifications starting at 09:00 and the final at 11:45, all eyes will be on this remarkable young athlete as she aims for gold.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games promise to be an extraordinary celebration of human spirit and athletic prowess. Whether you’re watching the Opening Ceremony or following the first days of competition, be sure to tune in and witness history in the making. The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games: Opening Ceremony Guide, Viewing Tips, and Early Competition Highlights will ensure you don’t miss a moment of this landmark event.
