Shortly after hosting the Olympics, Paris ushered in the 2024 Paralympics with a grand opening ceremony that lasted almost four hours in the French capital. Against the backdrop of a picturesque sunset, thousands of athletes marched down the Champs-Elysées avenue to Place de la Concorde in central Paris, where French President Emmanuel Macron officially declared the Paralympic Games open. 🌇🎊
The ceremony took place outdoors, much like the Olympics' opening in July, and featured fighter planes soaring overhead, leaving trails of red, white, and blue vapor in the colors of the French flag. 🇫🇷✈️ The delegations entered the square in alphabetical order, showcasing unity and diversity. 🤝🌍
A record number of about 4,400 athletes from 168 delegations will participate in the 11-day Games, spanning 22 sports from Thursday until September 8. This year sees the Paralympic debuts of Eritrea, Kiribati, and Kosovo, adding even more excitement to this global event! 🌟🏅
