Paris is gearing up to host the Paralympic Games in 2024, starting with an opening ceremony on August 28 featuring a 180-delegation parade along the Champs-Élysées to the Place de la Concorde, according to French media.
Over 12 days, 4,400 athletes will compete in 22 different sports at 18 venues. French newspaper Le Monde reported that the “Paris 2024” logo will feature prominently throughout Paris.
“It’s the rematch,” Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, was quoted as saying in the newspaper.
“The second part of the Games promises to be an exceptional event,” Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee said.
The upcoming Paralympics will feature a larger number of participating countries, venues, and ticket sales than previous events.
The primary competitions are scheduled to take place in central Paris and the surrounding area. Notable venues include the Grand Palais for wheelchair fencing, Les Invalides for archery, the Arena Champ-de-Mars for para-judo and wheelchair rugby, and the Eiffel Tower Stadium for goalball.
Additional venues, including Bercy, Arena Porte de La Chapelle, and Arena Paris Sud, will host a series of events, including wheelchair basketball, para-badminton, para-powerlifting, boccia, goalball, and para-table tennis.
The Paralympic Village adheres to all accessibility standards, with facilities including wider doors, accessible balconies, adapted showers, and amenities tailored to the specific needs of para-athletes.
The public areas have been carefully designed for easy mobility, appropriate lighting, clear signage, and other features that enhance accessibility.
As of August 7, over 1.3 million of the 2.8 million available tickets have been sold, with 300,000 allocated for individuals with disabilities and their companions, according to Le Monde.
Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete has announced that 2,000 new agents will be joining a workforce of 19,000 to meet the growing demands of the transit sector.