The Paralympic Opening Ceremony: What to expect

As a lifelong sports enthusiast with a keen interest in the transformative power of athletics, I am absolutely thrilled for the upcoming Paralympic Games in Paris! Having attended numerous Olympic and Paralympic events, I’ve come to appreciate the unique spirit these games embody – one that transcends physical limitations and celebrates human resilience.

If you thought the thrill of sports in Paris had come to an end, think again! The Paralympic Games are set to start on August 28, and the anticipation is building up. With the Opening Ceremony as a highlight, the excitement is palpable. Here’s what we can look forward to, and there’s plenty to ponder about too.

Old staples and bright flames

We’re tracing the journey of the Paralympic torch, from Stoke Mandeville, England, all the way to Paris. Unlike previous Games, last time the torch relay had to be shortened due to COVID-19 concerns. However, the cauldron was still lit. This significant moment in the ceremony will mark the end of our journey.

A time-honored aspect will be the march of nations during the Opening Ceremony on August 28th. The Olympics website describes this event as groundbreaking due to its unique location. Although the River Seine was a significant element earlier in the summer for the Olympics, the 184 delegations from various parts of the world will be marching down the Champs-Elysees instead. To accommodate the Paralympians, the famous cobblestones are covered with a smoother asphalt. The event is open to all, but the official parade will occur on Place de la Concorde nearby.

The International Paralympic Committee, the French Paralympic and Sports Committee, along with other relevant bodies, strive to make “universal accessibility an integral part of every aspect of the ceremony, creating an experience that is obstacle-free for athletes, participants, and spectators alike.” To achieve this goal, they are not limiting the Ceremony to a conventional stadium. Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet commented on this approach:

Looking beyond this exceptional setting offered for the leading athletes and spectators from around the world, this ceremony at the heart of the city is a strong symbol illustrating our ambition to capitalise on our country hosting its first-ever Paralympic Games to position the issue of inclusion for people with disabilities at the heart of our society.
Tony Estanguet

What else we know:

1. The athletes’ official debut and the ignition of the torch are key highlights of the evening’s events, but the cultural extravaganza is equally exciting. Tokyo shared the inspiring story of “The Little One-Winged Plane,” representing perseverance against adversity. During London 2012, 100 professional artists participated in the Paralympics Opening Ceremony, with 73 of them being hearing impaired.

The overall concept of the ceremony will influence how it unfolds. Tokyo’s motto was “Moving Forward: We Have Wings,” while Rio de Janeiro chose “Everybody Has A Heart.” The Associated Press shared a picture of dancers practicing with crutches, and 20 of these performers are actually individuals with disabilities themselves. Thomas Jolly, the creative director, mentioned that it will be about celebrating various body types through the universal medium of dance movements. Alexander Ekman, a Swedish director, has designed an energetic performance featuring dancers using crutches, wheelchairs, or adapted tricycles interacting with rhythmic beats. This aligns with Victor Le Masne’s music track titled “Sportography,” which combines authentic sports sounds and drum rhythms to encapsulate the spirit of athleticism.

We eagerly await what will be on display on the streets of Paris come August 28.

2024-08-27 15:32