The 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris are set to begin, following the conclusion of the Summer Olympics. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what to expect:
Key Dates
- Opening Ceremony: August 28, 2024, at 8 p.m. local time (2 p.m. EDT, 11 a.m. PDT)
- Closing Ceremony: September 8, 2024, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. local time (2 p.m. EDT, 11 a.m. PDT)
Event overview
- Duration: August 28 to September 8, 2024
- Number of Athletes: Approximately 4,400
- Number of Sports Disciplines: 23
- Number of Venues: 20
The Paralympics will start with an opening ceremony on August 28 and conclude with a closing ceremony on September 8. Unlike the Olympics, where some events begin before the opening ceremony, the first day of the Paralympics is dedicated solely to the opening ceremony. The Games will feature a mix of sports, with some events occurring throughout almost the entire duration, while others will be more condensed.
Opening ceremony details
The opening ceremony for the 2024 Paralympics will be held at Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées in Paris. Directed by Thomas Jolly, who also directed the opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympics, the event promises a unique spectacle designed to showcase the athletes and embody the values of the Paralympic Games. Jolly aims to create an unforgettable experience that unites spectators and viewers worldwide.
Sports schedule
Here’s a brief breakdown of the sports schedule:
- August 29 – September 8: Sports such as Boccia, Goalball, Para Archery, Para Athletics, Para Badminton, Para Cycling (Track and Road), Para Swimming, Para Table Tennis, Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Basketball, and Wheelchair Tennis will take place throughout most of the Games.
- September 1: Introduction of Blind Football (soccer) and Para Triathlon.
- September 3: Start of Para Equestrian events.
- September 4: Introduction of Para Powerlifting and Para Cycling Road events.
- September 5: Start of Para Judo.
- September 6: Introduction of Para Canoe events.
- September 8: The final day will feature events in Para Athletics, Para Canoe, Para Powerlifting, and Wheelchair Basketball, concluding with the closing ceremony.
Closing ceremony details
The closing ceremony will be held at Stade de France, the same venue that hosted the Olympic closing ceremony. The event will feature a medal presentation, an artistic performance, and a symbolic handoff to Los Angeles, the next host city for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Broadcasting and streaming details
Fans can watch the Paralympics live on Peacock, with select events also aired on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. All events will include closed captioning, and linear programming will offer an audio description to ensure accessibility for all viewers.
The 2024 Paralympic Games promise to be a celebration of athleticism, resilience, and the spirit of inclusion.