'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Paralympics Games 2024 have commenced on August 28 and will continue till September 8. The opening ceremony took place on Wednesday and featured some memorable moments in the French Capital.
The opening ceremony of the Paris Paralympics was not celebrated in the confines of a traditional stadium; but at the Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysees, located at the heart of Paris. The creative theme of 'Paradox', the 'Theo Le Taxi' tribute, and the performance of Christine and Queens, marked a mesmerizing opening ceremony to the 2024 Paralympics.
Alongside the unique performances, 168 delegations paraded down the Champs-Elysees avenue, delighting thousands of audience members.
Trending
On that note, let's take a look at the top five moments from the opening ceremony of the Paris Paralympics.
Top moments from the Paris Paralympics 2024
#1 168 Delegations Parade
The opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games left the spectators in awe when it opened in a unique style at the Place de la Concorde. One of the most magnificent moments was when 4,400 para-athletes from 168 delegations paraded in the biggest square of Paris. They made their way around the Obelisk from the bottom of the Champs-Elysees, giving the Paralympians the ideal stage to represent Parasport in front of the world.
The parade started with China's delegation of 284 athletes, who entered with wheelchair fencers Gu Haiyan and Yongkai carrying the flag together. It was concluded by France's delegation.
#2 Christine and the Queens performance
Another jaw-dropping moment at the Paralympic opening ceremony was when Christine and the Queens took the mic. The renowned French singer and songwriter lit the ceremony's atmosphere by performing a renditioned version of Edith Piaf's 'Non, je ne regrette rien,' whose meaning is all about having no regrets and continuing life without worrying about the past. His live performance in a crimson-colored suit at the Place de La Concorde made it a celebration to be remembered. The French singer also sang Patrick Hernandez's hit of 1978 'Born to be Alive'.
#3 Theo Le Taxi
Another amazing moment during the opening ceremony of the Paralympics 2024 was the French para swimmer, Theo Curin, driving a decorated cab towards the Champs-Wlysees to pay tribute to a renowned French show, 'Theo Le Taxi.' The cab was filled with Phryges, the official mascot of the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.
#4 500 performers featured at the Parade
The opening ceremony saw a total of 500 performers spreading their magic during the parade. These included dancers, pop stars, furry hats, and the DJ. All of them represented the theme, 'Paradox, from discord to concord.' The artists and volunteers cheered while the parade was in motion, followed by the Paralympic flag being carried by Briton John McFall, who won a bronze medal in the 100m dash in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and then became the first person with a physical disability to be selected for future tasks by the European Space Agency.
#5 Jackie Chan carried the torch
Legendary actor Jackie Chan stunned the spectators by carrying the Paralympic flame ahead of the opening ceremony in the French capital on August 28. He met multiple fans and took several selfies whilst carrying the flame through the central part of Paris.
