- The Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony was an extraordinary symbol of mobility
- Security remains tight, but Paris still managed to put on a spectacular show
An opening ceremony rivalling that of the Olympic Games brought a record number of Paralympic competitors out in force onto the Champs-Elysees on Wednesday evening as the sun set behind them.
It was an extraordinary symbol of mobility and further evidence of Paris’ sublime use of its architectural gems this summer, with the Place de la Concorde transformed into a stadium for an event that demonstrated the value of conventionality. The absence of rain that drenched the complicated Olympic event certainly helped.
Security here remains tight. Police snipers were visible on surrounding buildings. France cannot rest. But the spectacle added to an unmistakable feeling that Paris is the first host to challenge London 2012 as the greatest Paralympics we have ever seen.
The fact that only eight athletes joined a 50-strong GB contingent for the ceremony showed the competitive intensity of a nation chasing a seventh successive top three medal finish. Every minute of rest and preparation is seen as vital.
The British delegation believes that the Americans, as Dr Kate Baker, director of performance at UK Sport, put it on Wednesday morning, will “come over the hill” and assemble a stronger squad to “give them a bigger presence in the Paralympic space” for the 2028 event in Los Angeles.
Triathlete Alexis Hanquinquant carries the French flag during the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games
The spectacular opening ceremony impressively showcased French architecture
Singer Lucky Love performs at opening ceremony that surpasses that of the Olympic Games
International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons delivers a speech
South African dancer Musa Motha was among those attending the opening ceremony
“Have we seen any fruit from the US? Maybe not, but I think what we see over the next 11 days will be interesting,” Dr Baker said. The US has not beaten GB in the medal tally since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. The British have finished second at every Olympics this century except 2012, when Russia overtook them.
But for this night, the ceremony transcended any narrow calculations. There was a great welcome for the Palestinian delegation. A series of short films gave voice to people with disabilities, describing their journey to trust in the people they are. A beautiful spectacle, played out under a divine Parisian night sky.