France bids farewell to summer sports at the Paralympics closing ceremony

SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) — The remarkable summer sporting spectacle has come to a close, wrapping up the exhilarating Paralympics in a glimmering ceremony at Stade de France. The festivities began under dreary rain on July 26, culminating in an atmosphere filled with emotions on Sunday.

This comprehensive event showcased back-to-back competitions, from the Olympics to the Paralympics, captivating fans and setting a high standard for future events, particularly for Los Angeles, which will host the Summer Games in 2028.

As the Stade de France glowed in the colors of the French flag — blue, white, and red — a trumpet player filled the air with the national anthem, “La Marseillaise.” National flagbearers marched proudly into the stadium while the iconic tune “Chariots of Fire” by Vangelis resonated throughout the venue.

“Everyone can see what an inclusive world is like,” declared Tony Estanguet, head of the Paris 2024 organizing committee, during his closing remarks. “Now there is no turning back.”

Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee, praised France for not only meeting but exceeding expectations as a host for both the Summer Games and the Paralympics.

“Paris 2024 has set a benchmark for all future Paralympic Games,” Parsons stated, adding that France is now celebrated not only for its renowned fashion and food but also for its enthusiastic sports fans.

The ceremony featured a lively breakdancing performance that energized the crowd, leading up to a finale by the renowned French electronic music composer, Jean-Michel Jarre. Artistic director Thomas Jolly envisioned the stadium as a massive dance party, bringing together over 20 DJs, including Étienne de Crécy, Martin Solveig, and Kavinsky, all performing in tribute to French electronic music under the theme “Journey of the Wave.”

This performance represented a heartfelt farewell from the 64,000 attendees and the city itself to the over 4,000 Paralympic athletes who showcased their extraordinary talents.

Initially, there were concerns that the lively atmosphere established during the Olympics might not carry through to the Paralympics, occurring from August 28 to September 8. These worries faded as athletes received considerable support, demonstrating that the spirit remained vibrant.

Though not every venue reached full capacity — partly due to the end of summer holidays and children returning to school — ticket sales saw a significant surge. A total of 2.4 million tickets were sold, trailing only the 2.7 million sold during the 2012 London Games, a remarkable achievement given that only 1 million tickets had been sold by late June.

Some local Parisians chose to leave the city amid apprehensions over potential traffic chaos and rising social tensions. Nonetheless, those who remained, along with fans traveling from across France, rallied behind their athletes throughout both the Olympic and Paralympic festivities.

“With the Games we rediscovered our creativity,” Estanguet noted, reflecting the joy and unity felt throughout the competitions. “The France which smiles, which loves itself.”

During the Olympics, France secured a total of 64 medals, including 16 golds, finishing fifth overall in the medal tally. The Paralympics brought an impressive total of 75 medals for the French team.

The Games were undeniably successful for French President Emmanuel Macron, with effective transportation and minimal organizational issues contributing to a smooth experience. In an unusual twist, police presence was marked by friendly interactions with fans, a welcome change in the social climate of France.

However, the sustainability of this positive atmosphere remains uncertain. A glimpse into lingering discontent arose as thousands protested against the recent appointment of a conservative prime minister, leading to a mixed reception for Macron at the closing ceremony.

Yet, as the French saying goes, “Plus ça change,” suggesting that while things evolve, some aspects of the social landscape remain unchanged.

Source: AP