PREVIEW

Paris Paralympics Begin with a Stunning Opening Ceremony. The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games kicked off yesterday with a stunning opening ceremony as athletes paraded along the Champs-Elysees to Place de la Concorde. For the first time, the Paralympics opening ceremony in Paris was held outside a stadium, following the Olympic Games' precedent. The main event took place at Place de la Concorde on a perfect summer evening after a parade from the Arc de Triomphe. The first of 11 days of competition starts today 29th of august, marking France's debut as host of the summer Paralympic Games. Around 4,400 athletes from 168 delegations will compete in 22 sports, vying for 549 gold medals. Tony Estanguet, Paris 2024 president, called the ceremony the start of a "Paralympic revolution" driven by the athletes. Artistic director Thomas Jolly highlighted the values of inclusivity, with performances addressing societal issues. Unlike the Olympic Games’ rain-soaked ceremony, the Paralympics parade took place under golden skies along the Champs-Elysees. The ceremony featured artistic displays by disabled performers, emphasizing the theme of inclusivity and breaking down prejudice. French President Emmanuel Macron declared the Games open, concluding with a stunning firework display as the Paralympic flame was lit.
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