The 2024 Paris Paralympics commenced with a captivating four-hour-long opening ceremony, which has been heralded as one of the most exceptional to date.
Thousands of athletes marched down the renowned Champs-Elysees avenue to the Place de la Concorde in the heart of Paris. The festivities commenced at 8 p.m. local time (1800 GMT/UTC), with delegations from 168 nations entering the iconic square in a sequence dictated by alphabetical order.
More than 4,000 athletes, encompassing those with physical, visual, and intellectual impairments, will compete across 22 sports from Thursday until September 8. Spectators from as many as 50,000 individuals gathered in stands erected around the square, contributing to an atmosphere brimming with joy and exuberance. The clear skies further enhanced the remarkable ambiance.
The delegations varied in size, with some, such as the refugee team, which boasts the largest representation to date with eight athletes and one guide runner, and the Ukrainian team, eliciting enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his pride in welcoming Paralympians from around the globe during the ceremony.
In a departure from the traditional indoor stadium setting, the Paralympics opening ceremony was held outdoors, adding to the unique experience.
Throughout the event, dancers and musicians, both with and without disabilities, showcased their talents on stage, highlighting the strength and unity within the Paralympic community.
In his address, Andrew Parsons, President of the Paralympic Committee, emphasized the need for a more inclusive world.
"The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games are set to demonstrate the remarkable achievements of individuals with disabilities at the highest level," he stated, underscoring the importance of fostering an inclusive global community.
"This is why, 225 years since the Place de la Concorde played a pivotal role in the French Revolution, I am hopeful that the Paris 2024 Paralympics will mark the beginning of a Paralympic revolution — a revolution that champions inclusivity," he added.
The inaugural medal ceremonies were scheduled for taekwondo, table tennis, swimming, and track cycling on Thursday.
