CNN — Just weeks after the Paris Olympics concluded, the Paralympics opening ceremony made history by being held outside of a stadium for the first time ever, and it did so with spectacular flair.
CNN — Just weeks after the Paris Olympics concluded, the Paralympics opening ceremony made history by being held outside of a stadium for the first time ever, and it did so with spectacular flair.
A total of 140 artists, including 16 performers with disabilities, captivated audiences as they led the parade of athletes. The procession began at the base of the iconic Champs-Élysées and made its way to the renowned Place de la Concorde, the largest square in Paris.
A total of 140 artists, including 16 performers with disabilities, captivated audiences as they led the parade of athletes. The procession began at the base of the iconic Champs-Élysées and made its way to the renowned Place de la Concorde, the largest square in Paris.
A total of 168 delegations took part in the celebration.
A total of 168 delegations took part in the celebration.
Organizers anticipated that over 50,000 spectators would attend the ceremony, while an estimated 300 million television viewers were expected to watch the event.
Organizers anticipated that over 50,000 spectators would attend the ceremony, while an estimated 300 million television viewers were expected to watch the event.
In his opening speech, Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, praised "the Paralympic revolution.
In his opening speech, Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, praised "the Paralympic revolution.
Estanguet said, “What makes you revolutionaries is that when they told you ‘No,’ you kept going.”
Estanguet said, “What makes you revolutionaries is that when they told you ‘No,’ you kept going.”
He continued, “Tonight, you are encouraging us to shift our perspectives, adjust our attitudes, and transform our society to ensure that everyone is given their rightful place.”
He continued, “Tonight, you are encouraging us to shift our perspectives, adjust our attitudes, and transform our society to ensure that everyone is given their rightful place.”
competition will kick off on Thursday
competition will kick off on Thursday
During the opening ceremony of the Paris Paralympics, fireworks light up the sky above the Place de la Concorde in Paris
During the opening ceremony of the Paris Paralympics, fireworks light up the sky above the Place de la Concorde in Paris