Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Kick Off
The 17th edition of the Paralympic Games officially begins today at the iconic Place de la Concorde in Paris, marking a historic moment in the French capital. The opening ceremony is graced by the presence of Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, along with numerous international political and sports figures.
For the first time in Paralympic history, the opening ceremony is being held outside of a traditional stadium, following the precedent set by the recently concluded Summer Olympic Games in Paris. To ensure safety, security authorities have established a cordon around the event area, with the ceremony expected to last three hours.
The Paralympic torch will be lit during the ceremony, symbolizing the official start of the Games. The torch began its journey last Saturday from Stoke Mandeville, England, in what is known as the “Pioneers’ Relay.” It traveled from the United Kingdom to France, passing through the town of Calais in northern France before reaching the heart of Paris.
In preparation for the Games, the organizing committee has ensured that stadiums, halls, and sports facilities meet the specific needs of Paralympic athletes. The Olympic Village, located in the Seine-Saint-Denis area northeast of Paris, has been operational since last Wednesday. It has been carefully designed to facilitate the movement and transportation of the 4,400 athletes participating in the Paralympic Games, along with administrators, assistants, athlete companions, doctors, and physical therapists.
This marks the first time France is hosting the Summer Paralympics, although the country previously hosted the Winter Paralympics in 1992.
The concept of the Paralympics was born in 1948, following the end of World War II, when Dr. Ludwig Guttmann organized a small sports tournament for injured veterans at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in London, coinciding with the Olympic Games. The aim was to create a sporting event specifically for people with disabilities. This idea evolved, leading to the first official Paralympic Games held in Rome in 1960.
Today, the Paralympic Games are recognized as the second-largest international multi-sport event, featuring athletes with various disabilities, including paralysis, amputation, and visual impairment.
Both the Summer and Winter Paralympics are held following each Olympic session, under the supervision of the International Paralympic Committee. The Games include sports such as wheelchair basketball, swimming, and powerlifting, as well as snowboarding in the winter edition. These sports are meticulously organized to ensure fair competition, with athletes classified according to the severity and type of their disabilities.
