The Paralympics came to a close in Paris on Sunday. Thibaud Moritz/AFP/Getty Images
More than a month after the Olympic Games began in heavy rain, it seemed fitting that the Paralympics ended in similar weather during a rainy closing ceremony in Paris.
Thousands of people braved the wet conditions at the Stade de France on Sunday, as athletes from 169 delegations paraded and danced to officially mark the end of the Games.
French electronic musician Jean-Michel Jarre, DJ Martin Solveig, and others performed, with impressive light shows and a stunning fireworks display adding to the celebration.
During his speech, Paris 2024 organizing chief Tony Estanguet thanked the athletes, saying: “This has been an amazing and unforgettable event, all because of you. Every time you competed, more people got involved, and each of your successes made the excitement grow. With every wow moment, every cheer, and every racing heartbeat, you’ve changed how people view both sports and disability.”
Delegations parade through the Stade de France during the closing ceremony. Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP/Getty Images
Andrew Parsons, the president of the International Paralympic Committee, praised Paris for setting a new standard for future Paralympics and called for greater social change for people with disabilities.
He said that beyond the 12 days of sports, society needs to remove the barriers that people with disabilities face. Parsons emphasized that they should have the opportunity to succeed not just in sports, but in education, jobs, entertainment, government, and all areas of life.
“Diversity and difference should not divide us but instead bring us together, inspire change, and make the world better for everyone.”
This year’s Paralympics saw around 4,400 athletes competing in 549 events across 22 sports. Many records were broken, with over 40 in para athletics and 30 in swimming.
China dominated the medal table once again, finishing first with 94 gold medals (220 total), far ahead of Great Britain in second place with 49 golds and the USA in third with 36. This marks the sixth consecutive Paralympics where China has topped the medal table, while Britain and the US held the same second and third spots as they did in Tokyo.
The USA finished the Games with 105 medals, one more than at the Tokyo Paralympics. Swimmer Ellie Marks and wheelchair basketball player Paul Schulte, both competing in their third and fourth Paralympics respectively, were chosen as the US flagbearers at the closing ceremony.
Now, the focus shifts to Los Angeles, which will host the next Olympics and Paralympics in 2028. Actress and Broadway star Ali Stroker, the first wheelchair user to win a Tony Award, performed the US national anthem as the Paralympic flag was passed to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
