Paris Paralympics Close with Dazzling Light Show, Dance Party
The 2024 Paralympic Games concluded in Paris with a stunning light show and dance party at the Stade de France, celebrating the achievements of over 4,400 athletes from 168 delegations. The closing ceremony, despite the rain, saw athletes and spectators enjoy a vibrant display of French electronic dance music, marking the end of an unforgettable summer of sports.
Tony Estanguet, chief organizer of Paris 2024 and former Olympic gold medalist, addressed the packed stadium, reflecting on the historic significance of the Paralympics and Olympics. “This summer, France had a date with history, and the country showed up,” Estanguet said. He praised the athletes for their dedication, which will remain “etched in people’s memories.”
The final day of competition saw two remarkable world records broken. Morocco’s Fatima Ezzahra El Idrissi set a new world record in the women’s marathon for visually impaired athletes, finishing the 42-kilometer course in 2 hours, 48 minutes, and 36 seconds, shattering the previous record by nearly six minutes. “I wasn’t running for a time, only for a medal,” the 29-year-old remarked.
In para powerlifting, Nigeria’s Folashade Oluwafemiayo made history by breaking her own world record, solidifying her status as a top athlete in the sport.
China dominated the medal table with 94 golds, followed by Great Britain with 49 and the United States with 36. Ukraine, overcoming the challenges of war, finished seventh with 22 golds, while the host nation, France, secured eighth place with 19 golds.
The event’s grand finale not only celebrated the athletes’ achievements but also highlighted the spirit of resilience and unity that defines the Paralympic Games.
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