The 17th edition of the Summer Paralympics commenced in Paris on Wednesday with a captivating opening ceremony held at the iconic Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Élysées. The event began with a mesmerizing spectacle, culminating in the lighting of the Paralympic cauldron at the Jardin des Tuileries.
Five French Paralympic athletes, each representing a different sporting discipline, had the honor of igniting the flame. They were: Charles-Antoine Kouakou, Fabien Lamirault, Elodie Lorandi, Alexis Hanquinquant, and Nantenin Keïta. Among them, Hanquinquant, the reigning champion in men’s PTS4 para triathlon, and Keïta, a former gold medalist in women’s 400m T13 event, were also chosen to be the flagbearers for the French team.
The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the spirit of inclusivity and athletic excellence that defines the Paralympic Games. The athletes’ unwavering determination and remarkable achievements inspire the world to recognize the boundless potential of human ability. The Games are set to be a celebration of human resilience and a testament to the transformative power of sport.
