Opening of the Paralympic Games in Paris
The 17th Paralympic Summer Games are about to begin in Paris. The best Paralympians from around the world are set to compete with each other for over a week. Among these are a number of German athletes with a good chance of winning a medal.
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Wheelchair tennis is only one of the many disciplines of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
Photo: IMAGO/GEPA pictures
Paris is hosting the Paralympic Summer Games for the first time, and even the opening ceremony is going to be a very special highlight, as it will be the first time ever that an opening ceremony for the Paralympic Games is held outside a stadium. The athletes of the 17th Paralympic Games will be taking centre stage on the Champs-Élysées, where they can be admired by millions of people worldwide. This will send out a powerful signal in support of a barrier-free society, reflecting the Games’ inclusiveness.
The key facts:
- Opening ceremony on 28 August: The start of the games will be marked by a spectacular opening ceremony on the Champs-Élysées, extending all the way to the Place de la Concorde.
- Participating nations and athletes: Around 4,400 athletes of more than 180 nationalities will take part in 549 competitions.
- Refugee Paralympic Team: One particular highlight this year is the Refugee Paralympic Team (RPT), which consists of displaced Paralympic athletes. The Paris Games will feature the largest RPT yet, comprising eight athletes and a sighted guide.
- German team: Germany is represented in 18 of 22 disciplines with 143 athletes and five sighted guides. The para track & field and wheelchair basketball teams are particularly well-represented.
- Television coverage: ARD and ZDF will be reporting live from Paris for over 60 hours. There will also be live streams and additional coverage by Eurosport.
- Accessibility: Comprehensive measures have been taken in Paris to ensure accessibility for all participants and spectators.
- Security: Every day, around 35,000 police officers will be ensuring the security of all participants during the Games.
What does inclusion even mean? Inclusion stems from the Latin word “includere” which means to make something part of something else. Inclusion means that nobody must be excluded or discriminated against due to their age, religion, skin colour or a disability. Every human being should be able to participate in society: at work, in sports and in leisure activities. The Federal Government is committed to promoting inclusion in sports. Sport unites people with and without disabilities and encourages self-determined participation. This idea is to be upheld above and beyond the Paralympic Games, too, so as to promote an inclusive society.