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Two of France’s most iconic pieces of real estate – the Champs-Elysees and Place de la Concorde – were the stage for the 17th Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony.
Like the Olympic Games a month ago, the Paralympics celebration took place outdoors in an exceptional setting full of French history, beauty and pride.
Unlike the Olympics, the Paralympic Games has never been held in the French capital and organisers put together a show worthy of the occasion.
As the sun began to set across the city, a flypast by the French Air Force above the Arc de Triomphe and down the length of the Champs-Elysees left a trail of red-white-and-blue in the sky symbolising the host nation’s flag.
This heralded the parade of nations, where 120 Australian athletes and staff marched third from the end. That signified being the hosts of the 2032 Games, with hosts in 2028 the United States of America second last, and finally the 2024 hosts France.
Led by Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin and flag bearers Brenden Hall (swimming) and Madison de Rozario (athletics), the Australians were dressed in smart-casual olive-green polo shirts and chino shorts supplied by R.M. Williams and complemented by the traditional Akubra hat.
While the crowd warmly welcomed the Aussies, the roar for the French team was so loud, it was most likely heard across the English Channel and up into Belgium.
If that didn’t give fans goose bumps, then an orchestral version of the national anthem ‘The Marseillaise’ definitely did as the French flag was raised.
President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Andrew Parsons reminded the 50,000 seated guests at Place de la Concorde and the estimated 300-million television audience of the power of sport.
“At a time of growing global conflict, increasing hate, and rising exclusion, let sport be the social glue that brings us together,” Parsons said.
“Here at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, we will celebrate what makes us different, show there is strength in difference, beauty in difference, and that difference serves as a powerful force for good.”
He said the athletes were here primarily to compete and win medals for their country, but there was another purpose.
“Paralympians are also here to achieve something far greater than personal glory,” he said.
“They want equality and inclusion for themselves and for the world’s 1.3 billion persons with disabilities.”
He then introduced President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, who officially opened the Paralympic Games where 4,400 athletes from 168 countries will compete.
The finale was the arrival of the Paralympic flame in the Jardin des Tuilerie after a 12-day torch relay representing the duration of the Paris Paralympic, to light the Cauldron – the same as shone throughout the 16-day Olympic Games.
The Paralympic Closing Ceremony will be held on Sunday September 8 at Stade de France.
By: Margie McDonald, Paralympics Australia
Published: 28 August 2024
