Paris, August 28, 2024, The Europe Today: The 2024 Paris Paralympics officially began with a dazzling four-hour-long opening ceremony that is being hailed as one of the best in history. The event took place on Wednesday evening, captivating the world with its grandeur and symbolism.
Thousands of athletes, representing 168 nations, paraded down the iconic Champs-Élysées to the historic Place de la Concorde in central Paris. The celebration commenced at 8 p.m. local time (1800 GMT/UTC) as delegations entered the renowned square in alphabetical order, welcomed by a crowd of 50,000 enthusiastic spectators.
Under the clear Parisian skies, the atmosphere was electric with joy and exuberance. The parade showcased the diversity of the global Paralympic community, with some delegations arriving in large numbers, while others were smaller but equally spirited. Notably, the refugee team, the largest in history with eight athletes and one guide runner, and the Ukrainian team, received thunderous applause from the audience.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his pride in hosting the Paralympians, extending a warm welcome to participants from around the world. In his speech, International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons emphasized the importance of inclusivity, declaring that the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games would demonstrate what persons with disabilities can achieve at the highest level.
Parsons called for a “Paralympic revolution” in line with the spirit of the French Revolution, urging the world to take decisive steps toward building a more inclusive society. “The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will show persons with disabilities what they can achieve at the highest level,” he said. “That is why 225 years on from when Place de la Concorde was central to the French Revolution, I hope that Paris 2024 starts a Paralympic revolution — the inclusive revolution.”
The Games will see over 4,000 athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual impairments compete in 22 sports from Thursday until September 8. The first medals will be awarded in taekwondo, table tennis, swimming, and track cycling, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable Paralympic event.
