On Wednesday, August 28, Paris will proudly host its inaugural Paralympic Games, commencing with a grand Opening Ceremony in the vibrant center of the French capital.
At 20:00 local time, Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées will welcome 4,400 Paralympic athletes representing 184 delegations as they mark the beginning of 11 days of competition, which starts on August 29.
Under the direction of Thomas Jolly, the event aims to “showcase the Paralympic athletes and the values they represent,” as stated by the Artistic Director for the Ceremonies of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The ceremony will take place outside traditional stadium settings, featuring athletes parading along the renowned avenue, culminating in a celebration and the official opening of the Paralympic Games at the iconic square, witnessed by thousands of attendees.
“What an extraordinary moment for our athletes, who will participate in a historic Opening Ceremony on the world’s most famous avenue, surrounded by the enchanting atmosphere of Paris.
“This ceremony, situated in the heart of the city, serves as a powerful symbol of our ambition to leverage our country’s hosting of its first-ever Paralympic Games to place the issue of inclusion for individuals with disabilities at the forefront of our society,” remarked Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024.
