Paris Prepares for Historic First Summer Paralympic Games
In just 48 days, Paris and France will host their first Summer Paralympic Games, marking a historic moment for the nation. Paris 2024 is set to reinvent the opening ceremony by taking it out of the stadium and into the heart of the city. On August 28, 2024, the bottom of the Champs-Elysées and the Place de la Concorde will serve as the setting for an unprecedented celebration in an open-air theater, directed by the internationally renowned choreographer, Alexander Ekman.
A Groundbreaking Opening Ceremony
Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the ceremonies, has partnered with Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman to bring a fresh perspective to the Paralympic opening ceremony. On August 28, several thousand athletes and more than 180 delegations will parade down the legendary Avenue des Champs-Elysées to the Place de la Concorde, joined by hundreds of artists. Inspired by the extraordinary dimensions of this 4,500 m² stage, Ekman has chosen to place dance at the heart of the show, featuring over 150 dancers, including professional dancers with disabilities. The choreography promises to be inventive, musical, and humorous.
Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris 2024 Games, expressed his excitement: “What an honour to have a talent like Alexander Ekman at the helm of the choreography for the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games. We wanted this ceremony to be innovative and magical. For the first time in the history of the Games, it will not take place in a stadium but in the city. From the Champs-Elysées to the Place de la Concorde, with Alexander Ekman, the city of Paris will join in the dance of the Paralympic Games for eleven days of celebration. I can’t wait to see the eyes of the athletes and spectators shine!”
Collaboration and Creativity
For two years, Alexander Ekman has been collaborating with Victor le Masne, Composer and Musical Director of the ceremonies, and Daphné Bürki, Director of Styling and Costumes, to create this exceptional show. Ekman’s approach has been deeply informed by conversations with Paralympic athletes, drawing inspiration from their sporting gestures to explore the role of sport, particularly the Paralympic Games, in promoting a more inclusive society.
Alexander Ekman shared his vision: “Our goal has been to create a Paralympic ceremony that is a celebration with a mix of important messages, featuring the art of choreographic dance and the newly composed music by Victor le Masne and inspired by sport. It is a true honor to be part of the artistic team of Paris 2024! I look forward to sharing with the world the work that my team and I have created.”
Thomas Jolly emphasized the dual nature of the ceremony: “15% of the French population is affected by disability. Paradoxically, Paralympic athletes are often portrayed as heroes before they return to an ignored daily life full of obstacles. The opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games is a unique opportunity to raise awareness of these struggles that concern all of society. To both celebrate Paralympic athletes and be their voice, I wanted this ceremony to be festive AND political. This is why I asked choreographer Alexander Ekman, known for his spectacular universe that transcends the limits of bodies, of all bodies, to take charge of the staging and choreography of this show. Together we aim to transcend limits to make them agree in a more equal and inclusive world.”
The Road Ahead
Following the opening ceremony, the competition begins in earnest. From August 29 to September 8, 4,400 athletes will compete for Paralympic medals in 23 disciplines across 20 exceptional sites. Highlights include wheelchair tennis at Roland Garros, blind football at the Stade Tour Eiffel, wheelchair basketball at the Arena Bercy, and Para archery at the Invalides. With affordable ticket prices and special family offers, the public will have ample opportunities to witness these incredible athletes in action.
For the first time, the Paralympic Games will also offer a hospitality program, providing exclusive outdoor experiences at the Tuileries Garden and premium access to events.
Alexander Ekman: A Choreographic Visionary
Alexander Ekman is a multifaceted artist known for his groundbreaking work in dance, theater, and opera. With over 50 creations worldwide, Ekman has collaborated with prestigious institutions such as the Ballet de l’Opéra national de Paris, the Boston Ballet, and the Royal Swedish Ballet. His production “PLAY” at the Palais Garnier was a public success and will return in 2024. Ekman’s innovative and joyful approach to dance makes him the ideal candidate to direct the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Join the Celebration
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games promise to be a landmark event, celebrating sport, inclusivity, and human spirit. As the city of Paris prepares to host this historic event, the world looks forward to an extraordinary celebration of athletic excellence and cultural richness.
For more information on tickets and hospitality packages, visit tickets.paris2024.org and paralympichospitality.paris2024.org.
Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth coverage from Just Now News.Press as we bring you closer to the excitement and inspiration of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Photo Credit: Paris 2024 / Cédric Bufkens / SIPA PRESS
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