The 2024 Summer Paralympic Games in Paris have commenced, with the US men’s wheelchair basketball team playing its first match against Spain on Thursday. This event follows the 2024 Paris Olympics, which were held from July 26 to August 11. The Paralympics utilize many of the same venues as the Olympics, while others are being adapted for the event.
In their opening match, Team USA triumphed over Spain with a score of 66-56. Following this victory, the men’s team is set to face the Netherlands at 10 a.m. ET on Saturday.
Wheelchair basketball features two teams of five players, with the objective of scoring points by getting a ball into the opposing team’s basket. Matches consist of four ten-minute periods, and if the game ends in a tie, it continues with additional five-minute overtime periods until a winner is determined.
On Friday, the women’s wheelchair basketball team will play their first game against Germany at 10 a.m.
The 2024 Paris Paralympics began with an opening ceremony on Wednesday and will continue until September 8. Approximately 4,400 athletes from around the globe will compete in 549 events across 22 sports, hosted in many of the same venues as the Olympics, including wheelchair basketball at the Bercy Arena.
Medals awarded at the Paralympics will incorporate a piece of original iron from the Eiffel Tower, and they are designed to be distinguishable by touch with engravings and braille. This marks the first Summer Paralympic Games held in France, which has made significant progress in improving accessibility, particularly in overground transportation.
The sports included in the 2024 Paris Paralympics are:
– Para Archery
– Para Athletics
– Para Badminton
– Blind Football (soccer)
– Boccia
– Para Canoe
– Para Cycling
– Para Equestrian
– Goalball
– Para Judo
– Para Powerlifting
– Para Rowing
– Shooting Para Sport
– Sitting Volleyball
– Para Swimming
– Para Table Tennis
– Para Taekwondo
– Para Triathlon
– Wheelchair Basketball
– Wheelchair Fencing
– Wheelchair Rugby
– Wheelchair Tennis
The Games will be broadcast on NBC and its affiliated networks, with several events also available on USA Network and CNBC. Streaming options include Peacock, NBCOlympics.com, the official Paralympic YouTube channel, and the International Paralympic Committee website.