On Wednesday, 28 August, Paris will make history by hosting its first-ever Paralympic Games, beginning with a spectacular Opening Ceremony that promises to captivate audiences around the globe. Set against the iconic backdrop of Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées, the ceremony will commence at 20:00 local time, showcasing 4,400 Paralympic athletes from 184 delegations as they embark on 11 days of intense competition, starting 29 August.
A Grand Opening in the Heart of Paris
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony is designed to be an awe-inspiring spectacle that celebrates the resilience, determination, and extraordinary abilities of Paralympic athletes. Directed by the renowned Thomas Jolly, the ceremony will feature performances that have never been seen before, uniting spectators and television audiences worldwide in the unique spirit of the Paralympic Games.
Unlike traditional ceremonies held within stadiums, this event will take place outdoors, with athletes parading down the world-famous Champs-Elysées, culminating in a grand celebration at Place de La Concorde. With over 65,000 spectators expected to attend, and more than 300 million viewers tuning in worldwide, this event marks a significant milestone in the history of the Paralympic Games.
Jitske Visser, Paralympic wheelchair basketball medallist and IPC Athletes’ Commission President, expressed her excitement: “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.”
Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, emphasized the ceremony’s symbolic importance: “This ceremony at the heart of the city is a strong symbol illustrating our ambition to position the issue of inclusion for people with disabilities at the heart of our society.”
Quick Facts About the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony
– 4,400 athletes from 184 delegations
– 65,000 spectators expected in attendance
– More than 300 million viewers worldwide
– A parade down Champs-Elysées to Place de La Concorde
– Four stages with unique artistic performances
29 August: The Competition Begins
The excitement doesn’t end with the Opening Ceremony. The first day of competition, 29 August, features a range of medal events, including Para Cycling Track, Para Swimming, **Para Table Tennis, and Para Taekwondo.
One of the standout athletes to watch is Sarah Storey, ParalympicsGB’s most decorated athlete. Storey, with an impressive 17 gold medals to her name, will begin her quest for more in the Para Cycling Track Time Trial C5 at 11:00 local time.
In wheelchair rugby, the preliminary rounds kick off at 10:30, with a thrilling match between Australia and Great Britain. Watch out for Ryley Batt, who aims to reclaim the top spot after Australia’s fourth-place finish at Tokyo 2020. Another key matchup is between USA and Canada at 12:30, where Chuck Aoki will be striving for his first gold after securing two silvers and a bronze in previous games.
30 August: More Action on Day Two
Day two, 30 August, will see the addition of Para Athletics and Shooting Para Sport to the ongoing events. French shooter Tanguy de la Forest is one to watch, particularly in the R4 mixed 10m air rifle standing SH2 event, which starts at 12:30. De la Forest has been in phenomenal form throughout 2023, and the home crowd will be eagerly supporting him.
From India, Avani Lekhara, a law student and Paralympic champion, will also be in action. She begins her title defense in the 10m air rifle SH 1 with qualifications starting at 09:00, followed by the final at 11:45.
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How to Watch the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
Fans can follow all the action from the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on the Paralympic YouTube Channel and the International Paralympic Committee website. Note that geo-blocking policies may apply depending on your location.