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-Editorial
As the world celebrates the close of the Olympic Games, Paris 2024 now turns its attention to the upcoming Paralympic Games. On August 28, the Place de la Concorde will be transformed into a grand stage for the opening ceremony, heralding the beginning of eleven days of high-octane competition. With 4,400 athletes from across the globe participating, the Paralympic Games promise to be a spectacular continuation of the summer’s sporting celebrations.
The Paralympic Games will feature elite-level competition in 22 sports, spread across 549 events at 19 venues that have already contributed to the Olympic magic. The iconic sites will once again be the backdrop for world-class athletic performances, offering fans a chance to experience the same thrilling atmosphere that defined the Olympic Games. The familiar mascots will also make a return, and celebration sites across France will provide communal spaces for fans to gather and enjoy the Games together.
In anticipation of the Paralympic Games, Paris 2024 has launched the “Game Is Not Over” campaign. This initiative is designed to encourage continued public engagement and support for the athletes. The campaign, featuring prominent French Paralympic athletes such as Nantenin Keita (Para-athletics), Louis Hardouin (wheelchair basketball), Bopha Kong (Para taekwondo), and Marie Patouillet (Para-cycling), will be promoted across digital platforms, posters, television, and press until September 8. The campaign aims to highlight the excitement and significance of the Games, urging fans to attend and support the para-athletes.
Ticket sales for the Paralympic Games have been remarkably successful, with nearly 1.4 million tickets sold to date. This includes 400,000 tickets purchased during the Olympic Games. As of August 12, 75,000 tickets are still available at €15, with nearly 300,000 priced at €25, particularly for the finals. Emblematic sports such as Para athletics at Stade de France, wheelchair tennis at Roland-Garros, Para swimming at Paris La Défense Arena, and wheelchair basketball at Bercy Arena still have tickets available. The Closing Ceremony, a highly anticipated event, offers tickets starting at €120.
Certain events and sessions have already sold out, including wheelchair fencing and para taekwondo at the Grand Palais, para-cycling at the Vélodrome National de St Quentin en Yvelines, Para equestrian at Château de Versailles, Para triathlon at Pont Alexandre III, and shooting para-sport at Châteauroux National Shooting Centre. The Paris Centre Discovery Pass and several finals, such as the wheelchair rugby final at Champ de Mars Arena, wheelchair basketball finals at Bercy Arena, and blind football semi-finals and final at the Eiffel Tower Stadium, are also fully booked. Fans are advised to regularly check the official ticketing site for any new ticket releases as they may become available closer to the event.
Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming Games, stating, “After a fortnight of extraordinary sporting achievements and moments of joy that will be remembered in history, we are thrilled to continue the celebration. In just two weeks, the Paralympic Games will commence with 4,500 athletes ready to bring the same energy and excitement to these remarkable venues. We look forward to seeing everyone on August 28 for the next thrilling chapter of our Games.”
Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, is confident in the success of the Paralympic Games, remarking, “Following the immense success of the Olympic Games, I am certain that Paris 2024 will host the most spectacular Paralympic Games ever. This is an opportunity for an unforgettable experience that will redefine perceptions and leave a lasting legacy. For those returning to Paris after the summer, do not miss out on this life-changing event.”
Marie-Amélie Le Fur, President of the French Paralympic and Sports Committee, highlighted the significance of the Paralympic Games, saying, “The Olympic Games were a monumental success, and we are excited to extend the magic with the Paralympic Games. We have all the elements in place to ensure that our Paralympic athletes shine and inspire. I extend my gratitude to the Paris 2024 Organising Committee and all involved for their dedication to making these Games exceptional. We are ready to create another unforgettable experience. See you on August 28!”
The roots of the Paralympic Games can be traced back to the aftermath of World War II. Many war veterans were injured and faced physical disabilities, leading to a growing recognition of the need for rehabilitative and competitive sports for people with disabilities.
The concept of the Paralympics emerged from the work of Sir Ludwig Guttmann, a German neurologist who fled to the UK and worked at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Guttmann pioneered sports as a form of rehabilitation for injured soldiers and patients with spinal cord injuries. He organized the first Stoke Mandeville Games in 1948, which coincided with the London Olympics. These games are often considered the precursor to the Paralympic Games.
The first official Paralympic Games took place in Rome in 1960, following the successful Stoke Mandeville Games. These games were held just after the Rome Olympics and featured 400 athletes from 23 countries. The event marked the beginning of the Paralympic movement as an international competition with its own identity and structure.
Since then, the Paralympic Games have grown significantly in scale and scope. They are now held every four years in the same cities as the Olympic Games and feature a wide range of sports. The Games have evolved to include athletes with various types of disabilities, including physical, visual, and intellectual impairments.
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC), established in 1989, has played a crucial role in the development and expansion of the Games. The IPC works to promote the Paralympic movement and ensure that the Games continue to provide a platform for athletes with disabilities to showcase their skills and achieve excellence.
