Paris 2024 Paralympics: A Comprehensive Guide to the Games
As the Olympic Games in Paris come to a close, all eyes are now on the upcoming 16th edition of the Paralympic Games. This year, over 4,000 athletes from more than 150 nations will gather to compete in 22 different sports. It marks the first time that France will host a summer Paralympics, having previously hosted the 1992 Winter Games in Tignes and Albertville. Many of the iconic Olympic venues, such as Roland Garros, the Château de Versailles gardens, and the Stade de France, will once again be used to host events. Here is everything you need to know about this summer’s Paralympics.
When do the Paralympics Start?
The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympics is set to take place on Wednesday, August 28th. The first day of competition will follow on Thursday, August 29th. The final day of competition, along with the closing ceremony, will be held on Sunday, September 8th. Each day will feature early starts and events throughout the day, similar to the schedule of the Olympic Games.
How to Get Paralympics Tickets
For those looking to attend the Paralympics, tickets are still available for purchase through the official website. Prices range from day-long Discovery Passes for €24 (£20.50), which allow access to multiple sessions in a day, to special offers like buying two children’s tickets for just €10 for every two adult tickets purchased. Premium seats are also available in the hospitality sections for those looking for a more exclusive experience.
Paralympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies
Unlike traditional stadium-based ceremonies, the opening ceremony for the Paralympics will take place at various iconic landmarks across Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde, and the Trocadéro. Thomas Jolly, the artistic director for the ceremonies, expressed excitement about creating a spectacle that will showcase the Paralympic athletes and the values they embody. The closing ceremony promises to be a fitting conclusion to the Games, uniting spectators and television audiences worldwide in celebration of the unique spirit of the Paralympics.
How Can I Watch the Paralympics?
In the UK, Channel 4 will provide exclusive live television coverage of the Paralympics, with over 1,300 hours of scheduled programming. Viewers can also tune in via Channel 4’s online streaming service or YouTube channel. The BBC will offer evening highlights shows dedicated to the Paralympics most evenings, ensuring that fans can catch all the action from the comfort of their homes.
Which Sports are in the Paralympics?
The Paralympics will feature a total of 22 sports, with 549 gold medals up for grabs. At the last Paralympic Games in Tokyo, ParalympicsGB finished in second place in the medal table behind China. The sports included in this year’s Games range from para-athletics and para-swimming to wheelchair basketball and wheelchair fencing, showcasing the incredible diversity and talent of Paralympic athletes.
ParalympicsGB Stars to Look Out For
ParalympicsGB will be represented by around 220 Paralympians in Paris, with athletes competing across a wide range of sports. Notable names to watch include Hollie Arnold in para athletics, Matt Bush in taekwondo, Rachel Choong in badminton, Hannah Cockroft in para athletics, Funmi Oduwaiye in para athletics, David Smith and Claire Taggart in boccia, Iona Winnifrith in swimming, and Thomas Young in para athletics. These athletes are among the best in their respective fields and are poised to make their mark on the Paralympic stage.
In addition to these standout athletes, there are 25 British athletes in total who are expected to shine in Paris, each bringing their own unique skills and achievements to the Games. As the Paralympics draw near, anticipation is high for the incredible displays of athleticism, sportsmanship, and determination that will be on full display in Paris 2024.
