France bid farewell to the Paralympic Games in Paris with a spectacular closing ceremony at the Stade de France stadium on Sunday night. The event featured performances by French electronic music giants, breakdancers, and a conga line of elite para athletes. The Paris Games organisers aimed to showcase France’s ability to party, with a dazzling display of lights, lasers, and fireworks throughout the evening.
The event included a breakdancing performance by disabled dancers, as well as musical acts such as DJ Martin Solveig, Jean-Michel Jarre, and blind Malian singers Amadou and Mariam. The closing ceremony also featured the French national anthem played by disabled French trumpeter André Feydy, creating a moving and memorable moment.
With record ticket sales for both the Olympics and Paralympics, Paris 2024 was hailed as the most spectacular Paralympic Games ever. International Paralympic Committee President Andre Parsons praised the event for setting a new benchmark with more countries, more women, and increased global coverage. He urged for continued action to break down barriers in society and promote inclusivity.
As the rain poured down on the closing ceremony, athletes danced and celebrated the end of the Games, setting the stage for Los Angeles to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028. Paris 2024 left a lasting impact on the nation, transforming attitudes towards disability and showcasing the power of inclusion and diversity in sports.
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