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Paris 2024 Paralympics begin with spectacular ceremony at Champs-Élysées

A mock-up image of the Place de la Concorde as it lights up in purple colours for the Opening Ceremony of Paris 2024.
The iconic Place de la Concorde will be the backdrop for the spectacular Opening Ceremony. Photo ⒸParis 2024

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games kicks off in Paris, France, on Wednesday, as athletes paraded along the iconic Champs-Elysees to Place de la Concorde in glorious conditions.

For the first time in the history of the Paralympics, the spectacular opening ceremony will take place outside of a stadium. The iconic Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysees will serve as the backdrop when athletes from around the world take part in the Parade of Nations.

There will be surprise performances and dazzling dancing routines featuring dozens of dancers with disabilities, all in front of a crowd of 50,000 spectators.

The Opening Ceremony marks the beginning of 11 days of competition. About 4,400 athletes from a record 168 delegations are set to take part in the 22 Paralympic sports, competing for a total of 549 gold medals in Paris.

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