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Paralympics 2024

Paralympics 2024 open with historic ceremony, Ushering a new era of inclusivity

As the Paralympic flag was raised and the Paralympic anthem played, the atmosphere in Paris was one of unity and celebration.

Paralympics 2024 open with historic ceremony, Ushering a new era of inclusivity
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Paralympics opening ceremony (Photo credit: Paralympics)

By

The Bridge Desk

Updated: 29 Aug 2024 4:21 AM GMT

The 2024 Paris Paralympics commenced with an outdoor opening ceremony on August 28, marking a historic moment for the Games.

Set against the iconic backdrop of Place de la Concorde, a site deeply rooted in the French Revolution, the event unfolded with grandeur and excitement, ushering in what has been termed the 'Paralympic Revolution.'

French President Emmanuel Macron officially opened the Paralympics, setting the stage for a ceremony that saw a lively celebration of disability sports.

The event, directed by Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman, showcased a diverse array of performances, with over 50,000 spectators in attendance, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Jackie Chan was a highlight of the pre-event celebrations, carrying the Olympic torch through Paris.

The opening ceremony was marked by a series of spectacular performances and artistic displays, featuring contributions from legendary athletes, musicians, and dancers.

The vibrant energy of the event was palpable, as artists and performers with disabilities took center stage, embodying the spirit of the Paralympics.

The Indian contingent at the opening ceremony (Photo credit: Reuters)

The Parade of Nations was a focal point of the ceremony. Athletes from over 200 countries paraded down the Champs-Elysees, culminating in the iconic Place de la Concorde.

The Indian contingent, consisting of 84 athletes, made a striking impression with their white uniforms, led by flagbearers Sumit Antil and Bhagyashree Jadhav. The parade showcased the diversity and strength of the athletes, each group celebrated with enthusiastic cheers.

One of the ceremony's most moving moments came with the lighting of the Olympic cauldron.

The cauldron was ignited by five prominent Paralympians: Charles-Antoine Kouakou, Fabien Lamirault, Elodie Lorandi, Alexis Hanquinquant, and Nantenin Keïta. The cauldron will now remain lit throughout the Games, serving as a beacon of inspiration and achievement.

Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris Paralympics, delivered a poignant speech likening the Paralympics to a revolutionary movement.

He emphasized the groundbreaking nature of the event, declaring it the start of a "beautiful revolution" that aims to challenge perceptions and expand the boundaries of what is possible for athletes with disabilities.

The live performances during the ceremony included Canadian musician Chilly Gonzales on the piano and French singer Christine and the Queens, who delivered a stirring rendition of Edith Piaf's "Je ne regrette rien."

The ceremony also featured a high-energy dance performance by Musa Motha, who captivated the audience with his dynamic moves despite having lost a leg to cancer.

As the Paralympic flag was raised and the Paralympic anthem played, the atmosphere in Paris was one of unity and celebration.

The ceremony marked the beginning of 12 days of intense competition, with over 4,000 athletes set to compete across various sports until September 8.

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