Paralympic games kick off with opening ceremony in Paris
The 2024 Paralympic Games have commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony held on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Over 4,000 athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual impairments are set to compete in 22 sports throughout the event. The Canadian team, distinguished by their signature red attire, joined the ceremony with flag bearers Pat Anderson and Katarina Roxin leading the way. Roxin expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming competitions, emphasizing the strong audience support expect to enhance performance. Aurélie Rivard, Canada’s most decorated Paralympic swimmer, shared her pride and motivation, reflecting on her journey from childhood to becoming a decorated athlete. For the first time, Canadian Paralympic athletes will receive the same bonus payments as Olympians for winning medals. Pat Anderson, a key player in wheelchair basketball, spoke about his team’s hopes despite being underdogs. He emphasized their commitment to compete fervently and aim for the medal rounds. Organizers have reported that over two million tickets have been sold, marking this event as a potential milestone for the Paralympic movement. Beyond personal achievements, the participants aim to advocate for equality and inclusion for the global population of 1.3 billion people with disabilities.