Paris Parties as Paralympics Closing Ceremony Wraps Up Games”
The Paris 2024 Paralympics concluded with a dazzling closing ceremony on Sunday, capping off an extraordinary summer of sports in the French capital. Despite heavy rain, the Stade de France was alive with energy as twenty-four artists from the French electronic music scene created a vibrant atmosphere for the 4,400 athletes representing 168 delegations.
Tony Estanguet, Chief Organiser for Paris 2024, praised the Games and the Olympics, declaring the summer a “historic” one for France. Estanguet, a former Olympic canoeist, emphasized that France had “a date with history” and expressed confidence that the events of 2024 would be “etched in people’s memories.”
Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, lauded France for setting a “benchmark” for future Games. He noted that, while France is renowned for its fashion and cuisine, the country has now earned acclaim for its passionate fans.
The ceremony also saw Great Britain’s flag bearers, Poppy Maskill and Matt Bush, take center stage. Maskill, 19, clinched three golds among her five medals, matching the highest number of medals won by a British athlete at the Games. Alongside her were swimming teammate Alice Tai and wheelchair racer Sammi Kinghorn. Bush, 35, brought home Great Britain’s first gold in Para-taekwondo in the men’s K44 +80kg category.
Great Britain finished second in the medal table with a total of 124 medals (49 golds, 44 silvers, and 31 bronzes), matching their overall medal count from Tokyo 2020 but securing eight additional golds in Paris.
Although the rain affected some parts of the ceremony, the spirit of celebration remained undampened. The Paralympic flame, housed in a hot air balloon-shaped cauldron, was unable to make its final ascent due to high winds and rain. French boccia player Aurélie Aubert extinguished the flame surrounded by fellow athletes from the host nation.
Despite the weather challenges, the event continued with a spectacular performance from French electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre, who, at 76, captivated the audience with an hour-long set featuring various DJs.
Looking ahead, the next Summer Paralympics will be held in Los Angeles in 2028. The closing ceremony featured Broadway star Ali Stroker singing the American national anthem, while rapper Anderson .Paak delivered a performance set against the iconic backdrop of Venice Beach, building excitement for the upcoming Games.
Paris 2024 has left a lasting impression, blending memorable performances with the spirit of inclusivity and celebration that defines the Paralympic Games.