The world’s first-ever Paralympic Games in Paris kicked off on Wednesday, August 28th, with a spectacular Opening Ceremony.
The event took place at Place de la Concorde and along the iconic Champs-Elysées, welcoming 4,400 athletes from 184 delegations.
Artistic Director Thomas Jolly, responsible for both the Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies, promised a show that would celebrate the Paralympic athletes and their values.
He described the event as a “magnificent source of inspiration” and anticipated “unprecedented performances” that would unite global audiences.
Breaking from tradition, the ceremony took place outside a stadium, allowing athletes to parade down the Champs-Elysées and culminate in a grand celebration at Place de la Concorde.
Thousands of spectators witnessed the event, which was also broadcast worldwide.
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Jitske Visser, a Paralympic wheelchair basketball medalist and IPC Athletes’ Commission President, expressed her excitement about the historic ceremony.
“This is an incredible moment for our athletes, on the world’s most famous avenue,” she said.
Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “This ceremony symbolizes our ambition to use these Paralympic Games to place inclusion for people with disabilities at the core of our society.”