Paris 2024 Paralympics Kicks Off with Historic Opening Ceremony

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games commenced in spectacular fashion as around 4,400 athletes paraded down the iconic Champs-Elysees, making their way to the Place de la Concorde for the first-ever Paralympic opening ceremony held outside a stadium.

On a perfect summer evening, the athletes’ parade began at the Arc de Triomphe, with blue, white, and red smoke released by the Patrouille de France aerial display team, symbolizing the French Tricolore. The procession was witnessed by an estimated 65,000 spectators, who were treated to this free display before the ticketed main event at Place de la Concorde.

This ceremony marks the beginning of 11 days of intense competition across 22 Paralympic sports, with athletes from 184 delegations vying for 549 gold medals.

Artistic director Thomas Jolly promised a unique and inspiring show, highlighting the resilience and spirit of Paralympic athletes with performances that aim to set new standards.

Wheelchair tennis player Lucy Shuker and wheelchair basketball player Terry Bywater proudly carried the British flag, while sprinter Nantenin Keita and Para-triathlete Alexis Hanquinquant led the French delegation.

International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons declared his belief that Paris is set to deliver “the most spectacular Paralympic Games ever,” setting the stage for a historic event in the heart of the French capital.