A great start to Paris Paralympics

PARIS: The 2024 Paralympics Games in Paris kicked off on Wednesday night with a groundbreaking outdoor opening ceremony, a first for the event.

French President Emmanuel Macron officially inaugurated the Paralympics during a lively celebration at the historic Place de la Concorde, drawing a crowd of around 50,000 attendees.

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The opening ceremony included a variety of performances, featuring a piano solo by Canadian artist Chilly Gonzales and a cover of Edith Piaf’s classic “Je ne regrette rien” by French pop sensation Christine and the Queens.

Meanwhile, under the direction of Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman, the Paralympics opening ceremony showcased the talents of 500 performers, themed “Paradox, from discord to concord,” symbolising unity and celebration.

The president of Paris 2024, Tony Estanguet, the addressed the athletes with an inspiring message: “Welcome, athletes, to the land of love and revolution. This evening, there will be no Storming of the Bastille, no guillotine. Instead, we embark on the most beautiful revolution – the paralympic revolution,” he stated.

The parade of athletes, featuring 168 delegations, began at the Champs-Elysees, with enthusiastic volunteers cheering and dancing along the route.

The French team brought the parade to a close, accompanied by the iconic theme from “Amelie,” as the illuminated Eiffel Tower served as a beautiful backdrop.

A British bronze medalist and the first disabled astronaut approved for future missions by the European Space Agency, John McFall, proudly carried the Paralympic flag.

The ceremony also spotlighted the largest Refugee Paralympic Team to date, consisting of athletes from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Colombia, Iran, and Syria.

Accessibility was a priority for the organisers, who installed asphalt strips along the Champs-Elysees and Place de la Concorde to assist athletes in wheelchairs.

The event was secured by approximately 15,000 law enforcement personnel, ensuring a festive and relaxed atmosphere as the sun set over the city.

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will feature 4,400 athletes competing in 22 sports over the next 11 days, with over two million of the 2.8 million tickets already sold.

The Games will continue until September 8, showcasing the determination and talent of athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual disabilities.

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As the evening concluded with a dazzling fireworks display and another performance by Christine and the Queens, the stage was set for 11 days of Paralympics.