The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games were officially declared open on Wednesday evening with a spectacular ceremony held on the iconic Champs-Elysees and Place de la Concorde. This event marked a first in Paralympic history, being the first opening ceremony to be held outside a traditional stadium, bringing a unique and unforgettable experience to spectators and athletes alike.
The ceremony, held under a beautiful summer sky, unfolded with a festive atmosphere, showcasing the joy and spirit of the Paralympic Games. Security was heightened with 15,000 law enforcement officers on site, yet a sense of lightheartedness permeated the evening as the sun dipped below the Parisian horizon.
The celebration commenced at the foot of the obelisk in Place de la Concorde with the captivating melodies of Canadian musician Chilly Gonzales on the piano. The countdown was given by artists with disabilities and impairments, creating a powerful and inclusive moment. The evening continued with a vibrant pop rendition of Edith Piaf’s ‘Je ne regrette rien’ by French singer Christine and the Queens.
The ceremony, aptly named ‘Paradox, from discord to concord,’ was a testament to the powerful message of inclusion and diversity. The event, directed by Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman, featured a remarkable 500 artists and concluded in front of a sold-out audience of more than 50,000 spectators.
The grand parade of 168 delegations commenced at the bottom of the Champs Elysees, where volunteers cheered and danced, welcoming the athletes with warmth and enthusiasm. As the French delegation, the last to enter the square, reached the end of their journey, the crowd erupted in cheers, chanting ‘Allez Les Bleus’, with the glittering Eiffel Tower providing a stunning backdrop. The iconic theme of ‘Amelie’ by Yann Tiersen played on the loudspeaker, adding another layer of enchantment to the evening.
This vibrant opening ceremony was a stark contrast to the previous month’s Olympic opening ceremony, which was held in pouring rain along the Seine River. Although the rain failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd, it did trigger controversy over a tableau that appeared to parody Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’. The Paralympic Games are now officially underway, promising two weeks of extraordinary athleticism, determination, and inspiration.
