The Paralympic Games kicked off in Paris with a spectacular opening ceremony on Wednesday, just weeks after the conclusion of the Olympics. Held on the iconic Champs-Elysées avenue, the ceremony showcased the spirit of inclusivity and athletic excellence as over 4,000 athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual impairments prepared to compete in 22 sports until September 8th.
Thousands of athletes from across the globe marched down the Champs-Elysées, their vibrant national flags waving proudly. The parade, watched by a crowd of 50,000 people seated in stands built around the iconic Place de la Concorde, was a sight to behold. Accessibility for wheelchair athletes was meticulously planned with asphalt strips laid along the avenue and over the square.
The ceremony was a dazzling display of color and spectacle. As the sun dipped below the horizon, fighter planes soared overhead, leaving trails of red, white, and blue smoke in the sky, mirroring the colors of the French national flag. The delegations entered the square in alphabetical order, with some, like Brazil, boasting over 250 athletes, while others, like Barbados and Myanmar, had just a few representatives.
Fans had gathered hours ahead, braving the scorching sun to secure prime viewing spots. Entertainers kept the crowd energized with captivating performances on stage, while volunteers danced alongside the Paralympians, their faces beaming with pride and excitement.
The Ukrainian delegation received a particularly loud cheer, with some in the crowd standing to applaud them in a gesture of solidarity. The French delegation arrived last, greeted by thunderous roars and the singing of patriotic French songs like “Que Je T’aime” by Johnny Hallyday.
Adding to the spectacle, Lucky Love, a French singer who lost his left arm at birth, delivered a powerful performance alongside wheelchair-bound artists. The Obelisk, a prominent landmark in Place de la Concorde, lit up in the colors of the French flag as the national anthem played, marking the official opening of the Games.
Organizers had aimed for a memorable opening ceremony, and they delivered. Unlike the rain-soaked Olympic opening ceremony, which featured a boat parade on the Seine River, the Paralympic ceremony stayed on land, offering a different kind of spectacle.
More than 2 million of the 2.8 million tickets for various Paralympic events have already been sold, signifying the widespread enthusiasm and anticipation for the Games. Tony Estanguet, the president of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, spoke of the “immense champions” who had come together for the event.
The first medals are scheduled to be awarded on Thursday in taekwondo, table tennis, swimming, and track cycling. Athletes are grouped by impairment levels to ensure fair competition. Only two sports, goalball and boccia, do not have Olympic equivalents.
International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons noted the large crowds expected in Paris would mean a lot to the athletes, many of whom competed in front of empty stands at the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He described the Paralympics as “a powerful force for good” amid ongoing global tensions.
The closing ceremony will be held at Stade de France, the national stadium, bringing this inspiring celebration of athleticism and determination to a fitting end.
