The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games is set to be a monumental event, showcasing the incredible talent, determination, and spirit of athletes with disabilities from around the world. Scheduled to take place from August 28 to September 8, 2024, the Paris Paralympics will be the 17th edition of the Games and will feature around 4,400 athletes from over 180 countries competing in 22 sports.
These Games are not just about competition but also about promoting inclusion, diversity, and the empowerment of people with disabilities. The motto of the Paris 2024 Games, “Ouvrons Grand Les Jeux,” which translates to “Games Wide Open,” reflects the vision of creating a more inclusive and accessible society.
Paris has promised to deliver a Paralympic Games like no other, focusing on accessibility, sustainability, and legacy. The city is investing heavily in making its infrastructure more accessible, ensuring that athletes, spectators, and residents alike can move around the city with ease. This commitment to accessibility is expected to set a new standard for future Games and urban development worldwide.
The Paralympic Games will take place across a range of iconic venues in Paris and the surrounding region, many of which were also used for the Olympic Games. Some key venues include the Stade de France, where the Opening and Closing Ceremonies will be held, and the iconic Champs-Élysées, which will host events such as the marathon. Other notable venues include the Eiffel Tower, which will serve as the backdrop for archery, and Roland Garros, the home of wheelchair tennis.
The Paris 2024 Paralympics will feature some of the most inspiring athletes from around the world. Among them is Beatrice “Bebe” Vio, the Italian wheelchair fencer who captured hearts with her gold medal win at Tokyo 2020. Known for her aggressive style and determination, Vio is a symbol of resilience and will aim to defend her title in Paris.
The British Paralympic team, historically one of the most successful, will be led by Dame Sarah Storey, the most decorated British Paralympian of all time. Storey, a para-cyclist and former swimmer, will aim to add to her tally of 17 gold medals across eight Paralympic Games.
From the United States, Tatyana McFadden, one of the world’s top wheelchair racers, will look to continue her dominance on the track. McFadden, known for her versatility across distances and her advocacy for disability rights, has won multiple Paralympic medals.
Mpumelelo Mhlongo, a 30-year-old South African, is participating in his third Paralympics and has strong prospects this time. With a notable track record, including a fifth-place finish in the 100m, 200m, and long jump at Tokyo 2020, Mhlongo is returning to the T44 category where he first competed.
Paris 2024 aims to be the most sustainable Paralympic Games in history, focusing on reducing carbon emissions and minimizing waste. The use of existing venues, coupled with temporary structures, will significantly reduce the environmental footprint of the Games. The organizers are also committed to using renewable energy and promoting sustainable transportation options for both athletes and spectators.
Here are some Indian, Brazilian, and Chinese athletes to watch at the 2024 Paralympics:
India
- Devendra Jhajharia** (Javelin Throw, F46) – A two-time Paralympic gold medalist, Jhajharia is one of India’s most successful Paralympians.
- Mariyappan Thangavelu** (High Jump, T42/T63) – Gold medalist from Rio 2016 and silver medalist from Tokyo 2020, Thangavelu is a strong contender in the high jump.
Brazil
- Petrúcio Ferreira** (Athletics, T47) – Known as one of the fastest Paralympians, Ferreira holds multiple world records and is a dominant sprinter.
- Yohansson Nascimento** (Athletics, T46) – A veteran Paralympian, Nascimento is a multiple-time medalist with impressive performances in sprinting events.
China
- Cui Zhe (Powerlifting, 45kg) – A dominant force in her weight category, Cui Zhe has multiple Paralympic medals and is expected to perform well again.
- Yang Liwan (Athletics, F54) – A consistent medalist in the shot put and discus throw, Yang is a veteran with strong potential for Paris 2024.
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