Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Opening On Wednesday, August 28, Paris will make history as it hosts its inaugural Paralympic Games, kicking off with a dazzling Opening Ceremony set against the backdrop of France’s illustrious capital. At 20:00 local time, the historic Place de la Concorde and the renowned Champs-Elysées will transform into a grand stage for an extraordinary celebration. This event will mark the beginning of 11 days of thrilling competition, commencing on August 29.
With a grand total of 4,400 athletes from 184 delegations gathering for this momentous occasion, the Opening Ceremony promises to be a spectacle of unparalleled magnitude. Under the visionary direction of Thomas Jolly, the Artistic Director for both the Olympic and Paralympic Ceremonies of Paris 2024, the evening will shine a spotlight on the athletes and the values they epitomize.
Jolly, known for his innovative approach, has described the upcoming ceremony as “first and foremost a magnificent source of inspiration.” He assures audiences that the event will feature “performances that have never been seen before,” aiming to deliver a spectacle that unites spectators and viewers around the globe in the unique spirit of the Paralympic Games.
True to its avant-garde nature, the ceremony will unfold outside the traditional confines of a stadium. Athletes will parade down the illustrious Champs-Elysées, culminating in a celebratory event at the iconic Place de la Concorde. This outdoor venue, surrounded by Paris’s enchanting charm, will be the stage for the official inauguration of the Paralympic Games, witnessed by thousands of enthusiastic spectators.
The historic significance of this ceremony resonates deeply with those involved. Jitske Visser, a Paralympic wheelchair basketball medallist and President of the IPC Athletes’ Commission, expressed her excitement, noting, “What an incredible moment for our athletes, who will be part of a historic Opening Ceremony, on the world’s most famous avenue, surrounded by all the charm of Paris.” Visser’s words capture the profound impact of this moment, both for the athletes and the audience.
Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, emphasized the broader societal implications of the event. “This ceremony at the heart of the city is a strong symbol illustrating our ambition to capitalize on our country hosting its first-ever Paralympic Games,” Estanguet said. He underscored the significance of using this global platform to elevate the issue of inclusion for people with disabilities, reinforcing it as a central value in French society.
As Paris steps into the spotlight as the host city for the Paralympic Games, this Opening Ceremony will not only set the tone for the upcoming events but also celebrate a historic milestone in the city’s rich cultural and sporting legacy.
Athletes with disabilities at the Olympic Games
Before the Paralympic Games were established, athletes with disabilities had already made their mark on the Olympic stage, showcasing remarkable resilience and talent. The journey of these pioneering athletes highlights their extraordinary achievements and the evolving inclusivity of the global sporting community.
One of the earliest examples of an athlete with a disability competing in the Olympics was George Eyser, a German-American gymnast who participated in the 1904 St. Louis Games. Eyser, who had an artificial leg, demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, earning medals despite the challenges posed by his disability. His presence in the Games marked a significant moment in Olympic history, showcasing that physical limitations did not preclude excellence in sport.
Another notable figure in Olympic history is Olivér Halassy, a Hungarian water polo player who competed in the 1928, 1932, and 1936 Olympics. Halassy, who was an amputee, made significant contributions to his team’s success and became a symbol of perseverance and adaptability. His participation in three successive Games highlighted not only his athletic prowess but also the growing recognition of disabled athletes in international sports.
Károly Takács, a Hungarian shooter, is another remarkable example. Takács competed in the 1948 and 1952 Summer Olympics. After losing his right arm in an accident, he adapted by becoming an outstanding left-handed shooter. His success in the Olympics, including winning gold medals, underscored his incredible skill and the ability of athletes with disabilities to excel at the highest levels of competition.
Lis Hartel, a Danish equestrian athlete, further exemplified this spirit. Hartel contracted polio in 1943, which left her partially paralyzed. Despite this, she went on to compete in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, where she won a silver medal in dressage. Hartel’s achievements were groundbreaking, not only because of her personal triumph over disability but also because she demonstrated that athletes with disabilities could compete at the highest levels of Olympic sport.
These pioneering athletes paved the way for the development of the Paralympic Games, highlighting the potential for inclusivity and excellence in sports for individuals with disabilities. Their stories are a testament to the evolving understanding and acceptance of disability in the realm of competitive athletics.
Relationship with the Olympics
In June 2001, a significant milestone was reached when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) formalized a groundbreaking agreement. This pact ensured that the Paralympic Games would be seamlessly integrated into the bid process for hosting the Olympic Games. This agreement, which began influencing the planning of the 2008 Paralympic Summer Games in Beijing and the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver, marked a new era of inclusivity.
However, the Salt Lake 2002 Winter Olympics were an early example of this integration, with the Salt Lake Organizing Committee (SLOC) implementing a “one bid, one city” approach. This meant that a single organizing committee managed both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, a practice that was continued for the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. The original agreement underwent adjustments in 2003 and was extended in June 2006 following some challenges at the 2006 Winter Paralympics. Initially set to be in effect until the 2012 Summer Olympics, the agreement was later extended to include all Summer and Winter Games up to the 2020 Summer Olympics. This ongoing commitment was further solidified in March 2018 when the IOC and IPC agreed to extend the integration agreement through to the 2032 Summer Olympics.
The IOC’s charter underlines its dedication to equality in sport, stating, “The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practicing sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity, and fair play…. Any form of discrimination with regard to a country or a person on grounds of race, religion, politics, gender or otherwise is incompatible with belonging to the Olympic Movement.” While the charter does not explicitly mention disability, its commitment to non-discrimination extends to all forms, suggesting that discrimination against individuals with disabilities would be contrary to the principles of the Olympic Charter and the IOC. This sentiment aligns with the Paralympic Charter, which prohibits discrimination based on disability, political, religious, economic, gender, sexual orientation, or racial reasons.
Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the London 2012 organizing committee, emphasized the importance of integrating the Paralympic and Olympic Games. He expressed a vision for the London Games to “change public attitudes towards disability, celebrate the excellence of Paralympic sport, and ensure from the very outset that the two Games are seen as an integrated whole.”