Paralympics 2024 opening ceremony LIVE: Paris prepares for start of Games with athletes parade
The ceremony features athletes participating at the Games and is taking place in the heart of the French captial
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Paris is back in the spotlight this evening as the city hosts the opening ceremony of the Paralympics Games. Fresh off the heels of a blockbuster fortnight of Olympic action, the Paralympic athletes now take centre stage as they compete for medals, records and glory in front of huge crowds watching on around the globe.
The French captial is expected to be packed once again with up to 65,000 spectators expected to attend the first act of the Games which sees 4,400 athletes from 168 delegations parade down the Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysees in the heart of Paris ahead of what is sure to be 11 days of intense competition.
The opening ceremony’s artistic director Thomas Jolly has revealed the spectacle will “showcase the Paralympic athletes and the values that they embody”. He has promised “performances that have never been seen before” and claims that the show will “unite spectators and television audiences worldwide around the unique spirit of the Paralympic Games”.
Follow all the latest updates from the Paralympics opening ceremony with our live blog below:
Paralympics opening ceremony
The Paralympic flag is now brought onto the stage and handed over to the military personnel who have been waiting for this moment.
The unfurl it together and prepare to raise it up...
Paralympics opening ceremony
In the “Sportography” dance the two groups overcomes differences, showing a vision of a new, inclusive competition where unity and equality succeed.
The act is a celebration of diversity and shared creativity, illustrating how diverse groups can unite to achieve a common goal.
Paralympics opening ceremony
This next heavily choreographed section of the show is called “Sportography”. It’s difficult to tell if you’re watching a dance performance, sports, or an art piece.
The performance features the two main groups who come together, blending dance, sport, and art into a fictional game that highlights teamwork, where people with and without disabilities invent new sports in which everyone can participate.
Paralympics opening ceremony
After another emotional video of athletes explaining what it is like to live and come to terms with a disability there is a sequence of dancers on the stage dressed as boxers and martial artists going through warm ups.
It’s about strength, resilience, perseverance and determination.
Paralympics opening ceremony
The French President, Emmanuel Macron, is now invited to officially open the Paralympic Games which he does in professional and quick fashion.
Paralympics opening ceremony
Parsons’ speech is very good. He says: “At a time of growing conflict and exclusion, let sport bring us together,” he says. “Let sport serve as a powerful force for good. Eleven days of sensational sport to enjoy together.
“A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to champion your country’s rich diversity and celebrate the best of Paris, France and humanity. Let us open our minds wide.
“Liberté, égalité, fraternité!”
Paralympics opening ceremony
Tony Estanguet’s speech concluded with a thanks to the athletes.
He said: “Thank you dear athletes. There are 4,400 Paralympians in Paris. You are the best para athletes in the world. You represent 168 delegations.
“You inspire us. Above all, you will find an entire country in the love with the Games, who are so proud to host you for the very first time.”
Paralympics opening ceremony
The President of the International Paralympic Committee, Andrew Parsons, now takes to the stage and welcomes everyone to the Games.
He says: “we are here at a critical time in human history. Here at the Paris 2024 Games we will celebrate what makes us different and that difference serves as a powerful force for good.”
Paralympics opening ceremony
Tony Estanguet continues his speech, which may not be as short as first expected. He says: “Tonight is the start of the most beautiful of revolutions, the Paralympic revolution,
“Like our ancestors you have panache. Like them you are fighting for a cause bigger than you. In your case your weapons are your records. When they said it was impossible you did it.
“And tonight you’re inviting us to join you in your Paralympic revolution, to give everybody their full place. When the sport starts we will no longer see disabilities but champions.
“You have no limits, so let us stop imposing limits on you. A gentle revolution but one that is going to profoundly change us for ever. On the 9th September we will wake up different.”
Paralympics opening ceremony
Tony Estanguet, the President of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, has now take to the stage for a short speech.
He starts by welcoming the athletes and people around the world to the ‘city of love and revolution’.
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