Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

7 minutes read. Updated 10:52PM GMT Thurs, 29August, 2024

The Paralympic Games 2024 are poised to bring their vibrant spirit to the French capital, starting on Wednesday, August 28, and running through Sunday, September 8. Thousands of athletes from over 150 countries are set to compete in a range of events, creating a platform for exceptional talent and fierce competition.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Paralympic Games Paris 2024, including the schedule, events, venues, and much more.

When are the Paralympics 2024?

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will commence on Wednesday, August 28, and will conclude on Sunday, September 8. This marks the return of the Paralympic spirit to the world stage after the Tokyo 2020 Games, which were delayed due to the global pandemic.

When and Where Will the Opening Ceremony Be Held?

The opening ceremony for the Paralympic Games Paris 2024 is set to be a historic moment. For the first time, the opening ceremony will be held outside a stadium, mirroring the innovative spirit of the recent Olympic Games. The event will begin at 8:00 PM local time (18:00 GMT) on Wednesday, August 28. Athletes will parade along the iconic Avenue des Champs-Elysées, culminating at the Place de la Concorde in front of an estimated 65,000 spectators. This open-air celebration promises to be a spectacle that highlights the spirit of inclusivity and sportsmanship.

Where Will the Paralympic Events Be Held?

Paris and its outskirts will host the 2024 Paralympic Games across 18 different venues. These iconic locations will provide a stunning backdrop to the games:

  • Stade de France: Para athletics
  • Roland-Garros Stadium: Wheelchair tennis
  • Chateau de Versailles: Para equestrian
  • Paris La Defense Arena: Para swimming
  • Eiffel Tower Stadium: Blind football
  • Invalides: Para archery
  • Pont Alexandre III: Para triathlon
  • Grand Palais: Wheelchair fencing, para taekwondo
  • Champ de Mars Arena: Para judo, wheelchair rugby
  • Porte de la Chapelle Arena: Para badminton, para powerlifting
  • South Paris Arena: Boccia, para table tennis, goalball
  • Chateauroux Shooting Centre: Shooting
  • North Paris Arena: Sitting volleyball
  • Bercy Arena: Wheelchair basketball
  • Saint-Quentin-En-Yvelines Velodrome: Para cycling – track
  • Vaires-Sur-Marne Nautical Stadium: Para canoe, para rowing
  • Clichy-Sous-Bois: Para cycling – road
  • Saint-Denis to Esplanade des Invalides: Paralympic marathon route

Countries Participating in the Paralympics 2024

Over 150 countries will send athletes to Paris, making this edition of the Paralympics a truly global event. Leading the pack in terms of delegation size are China, Great Britain, and the United States, each expected to field more than 200 athletes. In contrast, some nations will be represented by only a single athlete, underscoring the diverse nature of the games.

How Many Athletes Will Participate in the Paralympics 2024?

The Paralympic Games 2024 will see over 4,400 athletes compete for the coveted medals. These athletes will engage in a total of 549 medal events spread across 22 different sports.

What Sports Are Featured in the Paralympics 2024?

The games will feature 22 sports, ranging from para archery to wheelchair tennis. Some of the unique sports to watch include:

  • Para Archery
  • Para Athletics
  • Para Badminton
  • Blind Football
  • Boccia
  • Para Canoe
  • Para Cycling
  • Para Equestrian
  • Goalball
  • Para Judo
  • Para Powerlifting
  • Para Rowing
  • Para Shooting
  • Sitting Volleyball
  • Para Swimming
  • Para Table Tennis
  • Para Taekwondo
  • Para Triathlon
  • Wheelchair Basketball
  • Wheelchair Fencing
  • Wheelchair Rugby
  • Wheelchair Tennis

Two sports, goalball and boccia, are unique to the Paralympics and have no Olympic equivalent. In goalball, visually impaired players try to score by rolling a ball embedded with bells into the opposing team’s goal. Boccia, on the other hand, involves athletes throwing leather balls as close as possible to a smaller ball known as a “jack.”

Who Are the Biggest Stars to Watch?

The Paralympic Games are home to some of the world’s most inspiring athletes. Some stars to keep an eye on during the Paris 2024 Games include:

  • Gustavo Fernandez (Argentina): Wheelchair tennis
  • Shae Graham (Australia): Wheelchair rugby
  • Alistair Donohoe (Australia): Para cycling
  • Alana Maldonado (Brazil): Para judo
  • Patrick Anderson (Canada): Wheelchair basketball
  • Rachel Choong (GB): Para badminton
  • Avani Lekhara (India): Para shooting
  • Oksana Masters (USA): Para cycling
  • Jessica Long (USA): Para swimming

These athletes, among many others, are poised to deliver unforgettable performances that will resonate with fans across the globe.

How Can Athletes Qualify for the Paralympics?

To qualify for the Paralympics, athletes must have an eligible impairment that affects their ability to compete in their sport, such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, visual impairment, or amputations. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has specific guidelines to ensure fair competition among athletes.

Where to Watch the Paralympics 2024?

Fans around the world can tune in to follow the action live on the Paralympic YouTube channel and various regional broadcasters. Major results and highlights will also be covered by outlets like Al Jazeera, providing extensive coverage of the games.

Can Tickets for the Paralympics 2024 Still Be Bought?

Tickets for the games are still available and can be purchased through the official Paris 2024 ticket site.