The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games officially kick off on Wednesday, August 28, just a few weeks after the conclusion of the Olympics in the City of Light. Over 4,000 athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual disabilities will compete in 22 sports over the next 11 days.
Unique Opening Ceremony in the Heart of Paris
Unlike the Olympic Games opening ceremony, which featured a boat parade along the Seine River, the Paralympic Games will begin with a parade of athletes down the Champs-Élysées, culminating in a ceremony at the Place de la Concorde. Thomas Jolly, the artistic director responsible for both the Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies, stated that the event will “highlight the Paralympic athletes and the values they embody,” promising “performances never seen before.”
Exciting Sporting Events and First Medal Contests
The organizers have announced that more than two million tickets have already been sold for the competitions. The first medals will be awarded on Thursday in sports like taekwondo, table tennis, and track cycling. Athletes are grouped by disability levels to ensure maximum fairness in competition. Only two sports in the program—goalball and boccia—do not have an Olympic counterpart.
A Historic Moment for Paralympic Athletes
Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, emphasized that the large crowds expected in Paris will be a significant boost for the athletes. Many of these competitors faced empty stands during the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
How to Watch in the United States
The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will be broadcast on USA Network and streamed live on Peacock and NBC Olympics platforms on Wednesday, August 28, starting at 12 p.m. Dallas time, with the ceremony itself beginning at 1 p.m.
For a detailed schedule and programming information, viewers can visit the NBC Olympics website. Additionally, a special primetime broadcast covering the opening ceremony and the games will air on NBC on Friday, August 31, at 8:00 p.m. Dallas time.
Conclusion
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games promise to be an inspiring and historic event, showcasing the incredible abilities and determination of athletes from around the world. Make sure to tune in and witness the excitement of the opening ceremony and the thrilling competitions to follow.
