The Paris Paralympics opened on Wednesday in central Paris, marking the start of 11 days of exciting competition.
The opening ceremony took place away from the main stadium for the first time, just like the Olympics’ opening in July. The event happened in Place de la Concorde, where French President Emmanuel Macron was present. Unlike the rainy Olympics, the weather was pleasant.
The ceremony ended with the lighting of the cauldron, which gained popularity during the Olympics.
Starting Thursday, new and veteran Paralympians will compete in 18 of the 35 Olympic venues, including the Grand Palais and La Defense Arena. Track and field events will be held at the Stade de France.
Ticket sales have improved, with over two million of the 2.5 million tickets sold and some venues sold out.
The Paralympic flame, lit in Stoke Mandeville Hospital, England, traveled to France through the Channel Tunnel and visited French cities.
The opening ceremony’s location highlights Paris’s need for better accessibility for wheelchair users, according to theatre director Thomas Jolly. While wheelchair users can use Paris buses, 1,000 adapted taxis have been provided.
China, a Paralympic powerhouse, will send a strong team. The host nation, France, aims to improve on its 11 gold medals from 2021. France wants to finish in the top eight.
Ukraine has sent 140 athletes despite ongoing challenges from the war with Russia. Russia and Belarus are sending 96 athletes to compete under a neutral banner.
Look out for new stars like American sprinter/high jumper Ezra Frech and Iranian volleyball legend Morteza Mehrzad, who stands 8ft 1 tall.
International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons hopes the Paris Paralympics will put disability issues back on the global agenda. He believes the Games will change how people view disability worldwide.
