The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games came to a close with a spectacular ceremony that showcased the success of the previous six weeks of Olympic and Paralympic events in the City of Light. Tony Estanguet, the chief Paris 2024 organiser, hailed the historic summer that France had experienced, with the country coming together in unity and joy despite earlier political divisions. The Games, which saw 4,400 athletes from 168 delegations participate, were praised for the high attendance in full stadiums and the positive energy that emanated from the highly successful Olympics that took place just weeks prior.
During the closing ceremony, the Paralympic flag was passed from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo to International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons, who then handed it off to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. The ceremony featured a performance of the American national anthem by Broadway star Ali Stoker, followed by a film showing skateboarders and wheelchair athletes performing tricks on a Californian beach. Parsons highlighted the impact of the Paralympic Games in promoting change through sports, setting new standards in organisation and gender parity among competitors.
The Paralympic flame, housed in a cauldron resembling the base of a hot air balloon, was unable to make its final ascent due to adverse weather conditions. Despite this setback, the closing ceremony featured an hour-long DJ set introduced by French electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre, adding a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere to the event. China emerged as the overall leader in the medals table, continuing their streak of dominance in Paralympic competitions since Athens 2004, with Ukraine and France also securing commendable positions among the top nations.
The final day of competition saw Switzerland claim victories in both the men’s and women’s wheelchair marathons, with Catherine Debrunner and Marcel Hug delivering standout performances to secure gold medals for their respective countries. The Netherlands emerged triumphant in the women’s wheelchair basketball final, defeating the USA to retain their title from the Tokyo 2020 Games. The Americans, who last won the women’s wheelchair basketball title in Rio 2016, will have to wait until 2028 for another opportunity to reclaim the championship.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games were a showcase of resilience, determination, and exceptional sporting achievements, with athletes from around the world coming together to compete at the highest level. The success of the Games in promoting inclusivity, gender equality, and unity through sports was a testament to the power of athletic competition in driving positive change in society. As the Paralympic flag was passed on to Los Angeles, the legacy of Paris 2024 will live on, inspiring future generations of athletes and spectators to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship, diversity, and excellence.
