France bid farewell to the Paralympic Games with a spectacular closing ceremony featuring a combination of fireworks, laser beams, breakdancing, and performances by French electronica artists at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis. The event marked the end of the feel-good summer of athletic achievement in Paris, where crowds had cheered on elite para athletes and witnessed record-breaking performances. The ceremony, organized to show that the French capital knew how to party, included performances by Jean-Michel Jarre, Martin Solveig, and a surprise appearance by blind Malian singers Amadou and Mariam. The event also featured a breakdance performance by disabled dancers and a moving rendition of the French national anthem by disabled trumpeter André Feydy.
Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee, praised Paris 2024 as the most spectacular Paralympic Games ever, with China topping the medals table. The event set a new benchmark for the Games, with a record number of participating countries, more women athletes, and global coverage. Parsons emphasized the importance of breaking down societal barriers for people with disabilities beyond the playing field.
Paris 2024 set a new record for ticket sales, with 12 million tickets sold for the Olympics and Paralympics combined. The closing ceremony, held under heavy rain, featured performances by a range of French electronic artists and a rendition of the US national anthem by Ali Stroker. Tony Estanguet, chief organizer of the Paris Olympics, expressed gratitude to the Paralympians for showcasing an inclusive world and starting a Paralympic revolution. France bid farewell to the Paralympic Games with a celebration that left a lasting impact on the nation’s attitude towards sports and disabilities.
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