Paris Hosts a Spectacular Send-Off for the Paralympic Games

On Sunday night, the Paralympic Games in Paris drew to a vibrant close, celebrated with a spectacular display of fireworks, lasers, and electrifying performances. With the Stade de France in Saint-Denis transformed into a buzzing dance venue, France marked the end of these Games with an unforgettable party.

The atmosphere in Paris had been charged with joy and community throughout the summer, as crowds cheered on athletes, fundamentally changing perceptions toward sports and disability across the nation. As the closing event neared, the mood was bittersweet; locals felt a sense of loss as the exhilarating month drew to an end.

The organizers aimed to create a grand farewell, and they succeeded magnificently. The evening featured a dazzling array of lights and sounds, with Jean-Michel Jarre, a pioneer of electronic music and visual effects, headlining a show that could only be described as a sensory delight. Amid the colorful pyrotechnics and theatrical performances, elite para athletes joined in the festivities, dancing joyously around the athletics track.

One of the highlights was DJ Martin Solveig spinning the iconic track “One More Time” by Daft Punk, surrounded by lively performances by para athletes and vibrant mascots. Earlier in the program, the French Republican Guard military band energized the crowd with their rendition of Gloria Gaynor’s classic “I Will Survive” as athletes from multiple nations paraded with their flags.

In a tribute to the inclusion of breakdancing in future Olympic events, the closing ceremony featured a breathtaking performance by a group of disabled breakdancers, captivating the audience with their skill and artistry.

Adding to the emotional depth of the night, blind Malian duo Amadou and Mariam delivered an evocative performance of Serge Gainsbourg’s farewell classic, “Je Suis Venu te Dire que Je M’en Vais,” timed perfectly with the extinguishing of the Paralympic flame. The rendition of “La Marseillaise” by André Feydy, a talented disabled trumpeter, introduced a poignant moment, showcasing the evolution of the national anthem in a heartwarming context.

Andrew Parsons, the president of the International Paralympic Committee, concluded the event by reflecting on the remarkable achievements of the Games. Over 12 exhilarating days, China topped the medals table, with Great Britain and the United States following closely behind. Parsons highlighted the involvement of a record 169 delegations and expressed gratitude towards the enthusiastic French crowds who came out in droves to support the athletes. He emphasized that while France is known for its culinary and fashion expertise, it had also earned a reputation for passionate sports fans.

As Parsons underscored the accomplishments of the Games, he urged that the enthusiasm and support must be matched with tangible actions to promote inclusivity in all aspects of society. He called for dismantling barriers beyond the sports arena, advocating for changes in education, employment, and entertainment sectors.

The success of the Paris 2024 Games was further emphasized by ticket sales, which reached a historic 12 million for both the Olympics and Paralympics, surpassing the previous record held by London 2012. Of this total, 9.5 million tickets were sold for the Olympics, with 2.5 million dedicated to the Paralympics.

As rain poured down over the closing ceremony, reminiscent of the opening ceremony’s downpour, athletes continued to dance, creating a joyful atmosphere under showers of fireworks lighting up the sky. The event celebrated the depth of France’s contributions to the world of music, featuring notable electronic artists like Étienne de Crécy and Kavinsky, as thousands in the stands danced along.

Notably, Ali Stroker, the trailblazing actress who made history as the first wheelchair user to perform on a Broadway stage, delivered the US national anthem, symbolically passing the baton to Los Angeles for the upcoming 2028 Games.

Tony Estanguet, a three-time Olympic canoe champion and Paris’s chief organizer, reflected on the profound impact of the Paralympics. He stated that these Games foster extraordinary connections that resonate deeply, leaving lasting impressions on all involved.

Estanguet acknowledged the paradigm shift brought about by the athletes, saying, “Thanks to you, everyone has seen what an inclusive world looks like. You have launched the Paralympic revolution and now there is no turning back.” Thus, the Paris Paralympics ended, leaving an enduring legacy.