Paris Prepares for Inaugural Paralympic Games

Paris is set to host the inaugural Paralympic Games, with a grand opening ceremony on August 28, 2024. The event will feature 4,400 athletes from 182 countries competing in various sports over an 11-day period.

The opening ceremony will take place along the iconic Champs-Élysées, culminating in a spectacular show at the Place de la Concorde. Organizers have promised an ambitious ceremony that reflects inclusivity and celebrates the capabilities of all athletes.

Andrew Parsons, the president of the International Paralympic Committee, expressed excitement about the event, stating that the city would envelop the athletes in a warm embrace, likening it to a hug. The ceremony will be choreographed by Swedish artist Alexander Ekman and will showcase a blend of professional and disabled dancers.

In anticipation of the opening, significant preparations are underway, including traffic restrictions imposed around central Paris to ensure a smooth experience for attendees. Notably, the Tuileries Garden will also host the lighting of the Olympic cauldron

The Games are expected to attract significant public interest, with over 2 million tickets already sold out of the 2.5 million available. A considerable number of these tickets will be allocated specifically for schoolchildren, aiming to inspire the younger generation.

Media coverage for the event is set to be extensive, with 165 television channels planning to broadcast the Games, underscoring the global focus on the Paralympic athletes.

In an official visit, the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Canada’s Minister of Sports, will attend the Games and support Canada’s delegation, which consists of 126 athletes competing in 18 sports. On August 28, she will also participate in an international conference on inclusion organized by UNESCO and the International Paralympic Committee.