paralympics 2024: The Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony Preview, how to watch, plus highlights are starting
On Wednesday 28 August, Paris will host its first Paralympic Games, kicking off with a spectacular opening ceremony in the heart of the French capital.
At 20:00 local time, the Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées will host 4,400 Paralympic athletes from 184 delegations as they celebrate the start of the 11-day competition starting on August 29.
The spectacle, led by Thomas Joly, will “showcase the Paralympic athletes and the values they embody”, said the artistic director of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games celebrations.
Describing the concept as “first and foremost a wonderful source of inspiration”, Jolie promised “a spectacle like no other” that would captivate spectators and television viewers around the world. It will unite with the unique spirit of the Olympic Games.
The event will once again take place outside the confines of the stadium, with athletes parading down the famous avenue, culminating in a celebration on the famous square in front of thousands of fans and the official opening of the Paralympic Games.
“What an incredible moment for our athletes, who will be part of a historic opening ceremony on the world’s most famous avenue, surrounded by all the charm of Paris,”said Jetske Visser” Paralympic Wheelchair Basketball Medalist, IPC President of the Athletes Commission and competitor in Paris 2024.
“This downtown event is a strong symbol of our desire to leverage our country’s hosting of its first Paralympic Games to position the issue of disability inclusion at the heart of our society.” President of Paris 2024.
Quick facts about the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony
- 4,400 players
- 184 delegations
- 65,000 spectators
- Over 300 million viewers
- A parade from the Champs-Elysées to the Place de La Concorde
- Four stages
- Unique artistic performances
29 August: Preview and athletes to watch
paralympics 2024: The Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony
The first day of competition begins with medal events in Para-Cycling Track, Para-Swimming, Para-Table Tennis and Para-Taekwondo.
Star names include ParalympicsGB’s most decorated athlete, Sarah Storey, who will be making her ninth consecutive Games appearance to add to her 17 gold medals from day one. Storey won three titles at Tokyo 2020, and the first defense begins today in the paracycling track time trial C5 (from 11:00 local time).
Fan-favourite wheelchair rugby kicks off at 10:30am with Australia and Great Britain clashing with the opening rounds of the mixed gender event.
Ryley Batt returns to the fray to return to the top of the podium with his Australian team after top spots at London 2012 and Rio 2016 followed by a fourth place finish at Tokyo 2020.
The USA, meanwhile, will take on Canada in the North American competition (12:30) with Chuck Aoki looking to take the top spot after two silvers and a bronze. Hosts France take on Denmark, with the crowd no doubt ready to rock the Champ de Mars Arena once again.
30 August: Preview and athletes to watch
Day 2 and Para-athletics and shooting para-sport distributed shiny hardware to athletes in the first day’s para-cycling track, para-swimming, para-table tennis, and para-taekwondo medal events.
paralympics 2024: The Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony
Tanguy de la Forest looks set to continue his top form from 2023 with the Frenchman blowing away the opposition at the Lima 2023 World Shooting Parasport Championships, with four gold medals including a world record in the R4 mixed 10m air rifle. And won a bronze medal. Standing SH2, which happens to be one of the events starting at 12:30 today.
Law student Avni Lekhara from India will also begin her 10m air rifle SH1 qualification at 09:00, with the final at 11:45.
How to watch the Paralympic Games Paris 2024
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