The Paris Paralympics commences with a vibrant and captivating opening event, filled with energy.
The festivities began with the soulful tunes of pianist Chilly Gonzales, showcasing a multi-piano performance, dance, and fireworks at the iconic Place de la Concorde. The excitement didn't subside as the procession began, with cheerful volunteers lining up at the entryways of various nations, waving their flags enthusiastically. Athletes, some clad in traditional attire, others in bright ensembles, paraded by, including the Austrian team in Alpine gear and the Indonesian team with elaborate headgear.
France Simon, a 71-year-old visitor from Eure-et-Loir, expressed her awe at the unique experience. "It's extraordinary, we won't have another chance to witness something like this at our age," she said, having failed to secure Olympics tickets. "I truly desired to attend the Paralympic Games," she added, adorning a hat in the French flag's colors. "They're the first in Paris, that's another reason I decided to come."
Organizers aimed to garner the same ambition during the Paralympics opening as they did for the Olympics a few weeks prior. Marked by a grand celebration on the Seine, the Olympics captivated the world.
A whopping 4,400 athletes from around the globe are participating in these Games. Germany sends 143 athletes to Paris, ready to compete in 18 sports for medals. At the opening ceremony, Para-canoeist Edina Müller and Para-triathlete Martin Schulz led the German team, carrying the German flag down the Champs-Élysées to Place de la Concorde.
German Federal Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser (SPD), expresses her optimism, commenting, "The Paralympic Games will showcase how crucial they are for an inclusive society, shining a light on the issues faced by individuals with disabilities." Faeser believes that top German athletes contribute to making the Paralympics a major event, serving as inspiration for everyone, regardless of their abilities.
The crowd buzzed with anticipation, eagerly awaiting the competitions. The torch was then ignited during the opening ceremony of the Paralympics in Paris, signaling the commencement of this globally celebrated event.
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Enrichment Data:
The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympics, titled "Paradox," featured a diverse and unconventional approach, generating mixed responses from the audience and international spectators.
- Location and Tradition: The ceremony took place outside of a sports stadium, departing from traditional Olympic and Paralympic opening ceremony locations, under the direction of Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the opening and closing ceremonies.
- Provocative Elements: The event included a controversial scene that some perceived as a parody of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, featuring drag queens. This element sparked discussion and led to threats against Jolly, who refuted the intention to parody the iconic work of art.
- Audience Reaction: The French audience generally applauded the ceremony, marking a successful and memorable Paralympic Games.
- Athlete Entries: The ceremony welcomed 4,400 Paralympians, setting the stage for the event.
- Artistic Direction: The ceremony was designed to be a two-part event, embodying the theme of paradox and inclusivity, pivotal to the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
