Thousands of elite athletes from around the globe have gathered in Paris for the 2024 Paralympic Games, which kick off with an outdoor opening ceremony this Wednesday and continue until September 8. Organizers are promoting this event as one for the record books, highlighting a record number of delegations, female athlete participation, and extensive global broadcasting coverage.
This marks the first time France is hosting the summer Paralympics, and spectators will be allowed in the stands for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the next 12 days, viewers can expect a range of compelling stories, including China’s quest to maintain its dominance, the debut of an Italian sprinter as the first transgender woman in the Paralympics, and American athletes aiming to set new records.
The Paralympics differ from the Olympics in several key ways. While both are multi-sport events held in the same city and year since the late 1980s, the Paralympics focus on athletes with disabilities across various impairment types. The games originated from a British hospital for WWII veterans in 1948, growing to include a diverse range of sports.
Athletes will compete in 549 events across 22 sports, including unique Paralympic sports like goalball and boccia. Notably, visually impaired competitors may team with sighted guides, who also receive medals.
A record number of approximately 4,400 athletes from 168 delegations are expected, surpassing counts from previous games. This includes representation from 167 countries and new delegations from Eritrea, Kiribati, and Kosovo. China will have the largest delegation, followed closely by Brazil and France, along with a record number of female competitors.
Team USA is sending 225 athletes and is noted for its diverse representation across various states. Key figures include wheelchair basketball standout Steve Serio and swimmer Jessica Long, who is aiming to extend her impressive medal tally. Other notable athletes include Oksana Masters and Nick Mayhugh, who will also compete for additional medals.
The opening ceremony will air live from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET on USA Network, with streaming available on Peacock and NBC Olympics platforms. This unique ceremony will unfold outside of a traditional stadium, featuring a parade along the Seine River.
Broadcasters are ramping up efforts to cover the Paralympics, with comprehensive live coverage across sports expected. Starting Thursday, several events, including swimming and cycling, will commence, with extensive coverage throughout the Games.