Paris 2024 Paralympics opening ceremony begins

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games have commenced under stunning conditions, with approximately 4,400 athletes parading down the iconic Champs-Elysees to Place de la Concorde for the opening ceremony.

In a departure from tradition, this year’s Paralympic Games ceremony is held outdoors rather than in a stadium, marking a historic first for the French capital.

The evening’s festivities unfolded at Place de la Concorde, offering a picturesque summer backdrop. The parade began at the Arc de Triomphe and proceeded down the Champs-Elysees, leading to the main event at Place de la Concorde. Organizers anticipate a crowd of around 65,000 spectators, who had the opportunity to view the parade free of charge before attending the ticketed portion of the ceremony.

The opening moments featured a spectacular display by the Patrouille de France aerial team, which released blue, white, and red smoke, mimicking the French Tricolore against a backdrop of clear skies. The first day of competitive action kicks off on Thursday, with France proudly hosting a summer Paralympic Games for the first time.

Athletes from 184 delegations will compete across 22 Paralympic sports, contending for a total of 549 gold medals during the Games.

Artistic director Thomas Jolly has promised an opening ceremony that will be “a spectacle showcasing the Paralympic athletes and the values they represent,” highlighting performances that are “unprecedented.”

For ParalympicsGB, wheelchair tennis star Lucy Shuker and wheelchair basketball player Terry Bywater have been chosen to carry the British flag. Meanwhile, the French delegation will be represented by sprinter Nantenin Keita and para-triathlete Alexis Hanquinquant as flagbearers.

International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons has expressed confidence that Paris will present “the most spectacular Paralympic Games ever,” setting the stage for an unforgettable 11 days of competition.