The 17th Paralympic Games kicked off in Paris under clear blue skies, followed by a vibrant evening ceremony that extended the same energy and joy seen during this summer’s Olympics. Over the next 11 days, the world will witness new heroes rise, fresh stories unfold, and possibly, the birth of a legacy of positive change for people with disabilities.
The opening ceremony, held in front of a crowd of 35,000 at the Place de la Concorde, featured bold and expressive dance performances and a parade of 128 competing nations, creating a festive atmosphere. As Paris remained in celebratory mode, Andrew Parsons, head of the International Paralympic Committee, called for a “revolution of inclusion.” Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet praised the “crazy” French public, while President Emmanuel Macron performed the ceremonial act of declaring the Games open.
Unlike the Olympics' opening, which faced disruptions due to weather, the Paralympic ceremony proceeded smoothly under clear skies and warm temperatures of 30°C. By the time the French delegation entered the arena around 10 p.m., the crowd was filled with excitement, reflecting the spirited mood of the summer of 2024.
The opening event, titled "Paradox" and choreographed by Swedish director Alexander Ekman, revolved around a theme of moving from "Discord to Concord." It was designed to mirror the history and geography of Paris. The ceremony began on the iconic Champs-Élysées, known as “the greatest avenue in the world,” where Paralympic delegations passed under the sun. The torch relay featured Unesco executives, rappers, and even Jackie Chan. Unlike the Olympics, the Champs-Élysées was reserved for the Paralympics and will also be part of the marathon route on the final day of competition.
From the open streets, the event transitioned to a more intimate setting at the Place de la Concorde, a historical site once known as the Place de la Revolution. Creative director Thomas Jolly highlighted the location’s symbolic value, calling it a “place of paradox,” and noted the need for societal reconciliation between the 15% of the global population living with disabilities and the communities that often overlook their needs.
Jolly stressed that "living together better starts with mutual consideration," advocating for societal adaptation and inclusivity. Ironically, his call for greater accessibility came in the same week that British Paralympian Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson had to drag herself out of her wheelchair to exit a train in London, underscoring ongoing barriers for people with disabilities. Jolly argued that "disability is not a flaw in the person; it is the architecture, practices, attitudes, lifestyles, and societal models that create the ‘situation’ of disability."
The ceremony was divided into five acts, infused with energy and humor by Ekman’s direction. French swimmer and model Théo Curin, who has no hands or feet, opened the performance with a dramatic entrance in a furry red taxi, exclaiming, “Welcome to Paris!” From there, the event burst into life with dancers and stirring music, including a modern rendition of "Je Ne Regrette Rien" by Christine and the Queens and a powerful performance of Ravel’s "Bolero" that left a lasting impact.
The event featured both disabled and non-disabled performers, symbolizing a journey from discord to concord. The piece "Sportography" merged sporting movement with artistic expression, set against the backdrop of stunning visuals projected onto the obelisk at the heart of the square. The performance was elevated by the incredible talent of South African amputee dancer Musa Motha.
The ceremony concluded after three and a half hours with the lighting of the Olympic cauldron and the release of a bronzed balloon into the Paris night sky. Ekman captured the essence of the event, stating, “I often find that words are worthless and that images, or the situations they illustrate, are much more valuable.” On this memorable night, it was hard to disagree.
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