Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony: Preview, where to watch, and highlights from the first two days of the competition

Everything you must know, as well as previews for Day 1 and 2 in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

By Jo Gunston

Aug 27, 2024 06:51 AM

On Wednesday 28 August, Paris will host its first-ever Paralympic Games, and will begin with a spectacular Opening Ceremony in the heart of France’s capital.

at 20:00 central time Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysees will host more than 4,400 Paralympic participants from 184 delegations to begin the 11-day competition beginning on the 29th of August.

Led by Thomas Jolly, the spectacle is led by Thomas Jolly. The event will “showcase the Paralympic athletes and the values that they embody” according to the Artistic Director of the ceremonies at all of the Olympic as well as Paralympic Games of Paris 2024.

In describing the concept being “first and foremost a magnificent source of inspiration” Jolly promises “performances that have never been seen before” in the form of a “spectacle that will unite spectators and television audiences worldwide around the unique spirit of the Paralympic Games”.

The ceremony will once again occur outside of the confines of an arena in which athletes parade along the famous avenue ending with a celebration, and the official opening of the Paralympic Games at the iconic square, in front of thousands of fans.

“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,” exclaimed Jitske Visser, Paralympic wheelchair basketball medalist, IPC Athletes’ Commission president and competitior in Paris 2024.

“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,” said Tony Estanguet, Paris 2024 President.