AngloPress:--- On Wednesday, August 28, Paris will host its first-ever Paralympic Games, kicking off with a spectacular Opening Ceremony in the heart of the French capital.
At 20:00 local time, the iconic Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées will come alive as 4,400 Paralympic athletes from 184 delegations gather to celebrate the start of 11 days of intense competition, beginning on August 29.
Artistic Director Thomas Jolly, who leads the creative vision for both the Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies, promises a show that will "highlight the Paralympic athletes and the values they embody." Describing the concept as "a magnificent source of inspiration," Jolly teases "performances that have never been seen before" in a spectacle designed to unite spectators and global television audiences around the unique spirit of the Paralympic Games.
For the second time in Paris 2024, the ceremony will take place outside a traditional stadium setting. Athletes will parade down the world-famous Champs-Elysées, culminating in a grand celebration and the official opening of the Paralympic Games at the historic Place de la Concorde, witnessed by thousands of spectators.
"What an incredible moment for our athletes, who will be part of a historic Opening Ceremony on the world’s most famous avenue, surrounded by all the charm of Paris," said Jitske Visser, Paralympic wheelchair basketball medallist, IPC Athletes’ Commission President, and competitor at Paris 2024.
"This ceremony at the heart of the city is a powerful symbol of our ambition to leverage our country hosting its first-ever Paralympic Games to highlight the importance of inclusion for people with disabilities in society," added Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024.
Quick Facts about the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony
- 4,400 athletes
- 184 delegations
- 65,000 spectators
- Over 300 million viewers
- Parade down the Champs-Elysées to Place de La Concorde
- Four stages
- Unique artistic performances
29 August: Preview and Athletes to Watch
The first day of competition kicks off with medal events in Para Cycling Track, Para Swimming, Para Table Tennis, and Para Taekwondo.
Notable athletes include ParalympicsGB's most decorated competitor, Sarah Storey, who begins her ninth consecutive Games, aiming to add to her 17 gold medals. Storey, who claimed three titles at Tokyo 2020, will defend her first in the Para Cycling Track Time Trial C5, starting at 11:00 local time.
Wheelchair rugby fans can look forward to the preliminary rounds of the mixed gender event, starting at 10:30 with a thrilling match between Australia and Great Britain. Ryley Batt, a standout player, returns with the Australian team, aiming for a gold comeback after a fourth-place finish at Tokyo 2020, following top finishes at London 2012 and Rio 2016.
In other matchups, the USA will face Canada in a North American showdown at 12:30, with Chuck Aoki seeking a long-awaited gold after two silvers and a bronze. Meanwhile, hosts France will take on Denmark, with the home crowd expected to bring electric energy to the Champ de Mars Arena.
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