The Paris Paralympic Games opening ceremony kicked off with a spectacular parade featuring athletes from 182 delegations along the Champs-Élysées to the Place de la Concorde. Among the highlights of the evening were the flagbearers for Team GB, Terry Bywater, and Lucy Shuker. The ceremony showcased the diversity and resilience of Paralympians, with China’s record-breaking performance in previous Paralympic events being highlighted.
Despite the absence of Belarus due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, athletes will compete as neutrals under the banner of the Neutral Paralympic Athletes delegation. The ceremony also featured performances from French singer Christine and the Queens, as well as a fly-past by the Patrouille de France.
The Paralympics is set to feature 22 sports, with a record number of female athletes participating and 549 gold medals up for grabs. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, and the president of the International Paralympic Committee, Andrew Parsons, were present to welcome the athletes.
The ParalympicsGB team includes a mix of debutants and seasoned athletes, with inspiring stories such as Ryadh Sallem, a thalidomide survivor who has competed in various sports and now aims to finish his Paralympic career in his home city of Paris. The Paralympics in Paris aim to promote inclusivity and accessibility, with tickets not required to watch the parade and various events sold out.
The opening ceremony marked the beginning of 11 days of elite competition, showcasing the incredible abilities and determination of Paralympic athletes from around the world. The event promises to be a memorable celebration of sport and human resilience.
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