Paralympic Games Ignite Paris with Historic Opening Ceremony
Paris, Monday, 2 September 2024.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games launched with an unprecedented outdoor ceremony at Place de la Concorde on August 28. Over 4,400 athletes from a record 168 delegations paraded before 50,000 spectators, marking France’s first Paralympics and emphasizing inclusion. The event featured innovative performances and a symbolic lighting of an electric cauldron, setting the stage for 11 days of competition across 22 sports.
A Celebration of Diversity and Inclusion
The 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris have set a new benchmark for inclusivity and celebration of diversity. The opening ceremony, held outside a stadium for the first time in the history of the Paralympic Games, drew a massive crowd of 50,000 spectators. This unique event was designed to emphasize the themes of community and inclusion, a sentiment echoed by International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons. ‘Here at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, we will celebrate what makes us different,’ Parsons stated, highlighting the event’s focus on diversity and the broader inclusion revolution.
Artistic and Emotional Performances
The opening ceremony featured an array of performances that captivated the audience. French singer Christine and the Queens delivered a powerful performance, accompanied by dancers in wheelchairs, inspired by the artist Sue Austin. The ceremony also included a touching performance by former Olympic wheelchair tennis gold medalist Michaël Jérémiasz, who carried the Paralympic torch. The artistic direction, led by Alexander Ekman, included over 500 artists, 16 of whom were performers with disabilities. The event concluded with a vibrant display of fireworks in the colors of the French flag, symbolizing the unity and spirit of the Games.
Symbolic Lighting of the Cauldron
One of the most anticipated moments of the ceremony was the lighting of the Paralympic Cauldron. Designed by Mathieu Lehanneur, the cauldron featured 51 torchbearers selected by EDF and was powered solely by electricity through a combination of light beams and mist. Five French Paralympians—Alexis Hanquinquant, Nantenin Keita, Charles-Antoine Kouakou, Elodie Lorandi, and Fabien Lamirault—had the honor of lighting the cauldron, symbolizing the link between the Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
Messages of Hope and Determination
Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee, delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing the transformative power of the Paralympic Games. He referred to the athletes as revolutionaries and called for a change in societal perspectives on disability. ‘Because when the sport starts, we will no longer see men and women with a disability, we will see you: we will see champions,’ Estanguet proclaimed. His speech resonated deeply with the audience, setting a tone of hope and determination for the Games.
Looking Ahead
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games promise to be a landmark event, not just for the athletes but for the global community. With over 2 million tickets sold, the stage is set for 11 days of thrilling competition across 22 sports. The first medals will be awarded in taekwondo, table tennis, swimming, and track cycling. As the city of Paris embraces the spirit of the Paralympics, the world watches in anticipation of the extraordinary achievements that will unfold.