Related Articles
-Editorial
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games came to a triumphant close on Sunday, September 8, 2024, after 11 days filled with breathtaking athletic performances, heartwarming surprises, and emotional moments. The grand finale at the Stade de France marked the culmination of France’s first-ever Summer Paralympic Games and set the stage for the next chapter, with the official handover to Los Angeles in 2028. The extinguishing of the Paralympic Flame, followed by a vibrant electronic music concert, sealed the Games’ conclusion with thousands of spectators on their feet, dancing and celebrating.
The Paralympic Games in Paris 2024 not only showcased the best of para-sport but also invited the world to celebrate in the iconic Stade de France. The stadium, a temple of sporting achievement, hosted some of the most unforgettable performances of the summer. Standout moments included the Refugee Team’s first Paralympic title, claimed by Zakia Khudadadi in Para taekwondo, and historic performances from stars like China’s Jiang Yuyan, Brazil’s Gabrielzinho in Para swimming, Switzerland’s Catherine Debrunner, and the United States Oksana Masters in Para-cycling.
Over 2.5 million tickets were sold, filling stadiums with passionate fans. France’s national team exceeded expectations, setting a new record with 19 gold medals and a total of 75 medals, surpassing their Tokyo 2020 performance. French athletes like Alexis Hanquinquant in Para triathlon, Aurélie Aubert in Boccia, and Emeline Pierre in Para swimming won the hearts of the home crowd. The French Para-cycling team was particularly outstanding, with stars like Marie Patouillet and Alexandre Léauté leading the charge and collecting a remarkable 28 medals.
Beyond the stadiums, the celebrations extended across France, with more than one million people participating in festivities at over 70 “Clubs 2024.” Schools across the country also joined the excitement with 600 mini clubs, sparking a new wave of inspiration for the next generation.
The Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France began on a powerful note, with singer Santa performing “Vivre pour le Meilleur,” a timeless anthem by French rock legend Johnny Hallyday. The emotional song set the tone for an evening filled with tributes, as the Paralympic Flame burned brightly one final time. Designed by artist Mathieu Lehanneur, the Cauldron had become one of the most iconic symbols of the Paris 2024 Games, captivating visitors throughout the event.
The 169 Paralympic delegations were represented by their flag-bearers, who took a final lap around the stadium to a roaring ovation. It was a party atmosphere, with songs by the Republican Guard echoing through the arena as athletes and fans celebrated together. Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, and Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), delivered heartfelt speeches, praising the athletes and the French public for creating an unforgettable summer of sport.
The evening also honored the six newly elected members of the IPC Athletes’ Council, a group of four women and two men who will continue to champion para-sport worldwide. The contributions of the 15,000 volunteers, whose dedication and enthusiasm made the Games possible, were also celebrated.
In a celebration of art, sport, and inclusion, a group of artist-athletes, including individuals with disabilities, performed a stunning breakdancing routine. This nod to breakdancing, one of the four new sports introduced in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, emphasized the power of inclusion and the connection between art and sport. The performance was accompanied by music from renowned DJ Cut Killer, creating an electric atmosphere in the Stade de France.
The artistic direction of the Closing Ceremony, led by Thomas Jolly, also featured a performance of Serge Gainsbourg’s poignant “Je suis venu te dire que je m’en vais” by the duo Amadou et Mariam. This haunting song accompanied the extinguishing of the Flame in both the Stade de France and the Tuileries Gardens, marking the end of the Games with a sense of nostalgia and hope for the future.
The symbolic handover from Paris 2024 to Los Angeles 2028 took place with great fanfare. The final torch relay in the Stade de France saw six French Paralympic athletes, all medallists, pass the Flame from one to another. Ugo Didier and Frédéric Villeroux, the first and last gold medallists of the French team, carried the Flame into the stadium. Charles Noakes and Gloria Agblemagnon, both medalists, continued the relay, which culminated with Aurélie Aubert, France’s first Paralympic champion in Boccia, and Mathieu Bosrgdon, the most decorated French athlete at these Games, extinguishing the Flame.
As the Flame was extinguished, Paris said goodbye to its moment in the global spotlight and welcomed the next phase of the Paralympic movement. The evening then transformed into a massive celebration with 24 of France’s top electronic music artists, led by the legendary Jean-Michel Jarre. The Stade de France was transformed into a giant nightclub, with performances by DJ icons like Martin Solveig, Kavinsky, and Polo & Pan. Athletes and fans alike danced the night away, united by a shared sense of joy and achievement.
