This month, the 2024 Paris Paralympics will commence, presenting an opportunity for the world’s top disabled athletes to compete alongside their peers and showcase their skills on an international platform. From August 28th to September 8th, the games will feature events throughout the historic city of Paris, including iconic locations such as Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Élysées.
Since 1960, the games have served as a platform for Paralympic athletes and the values they embody, as well as a reminder that people with disabilities have the right to participate in sports and recreational activities at all levels.
The Paralympics not only celebrate the extraordinary achievements of disabled athletes but also drive important conversations about inclusion and accessibility in sports. Engagement through watching, supporting, and advocating for these athletes is crucial in advancing a more inclusive society, elevating the dialogue around disability, and demonstrating a commitment to equal opportunities for all.
How to Watch:
For viewers at home, this year’s games will be covered by NBC and streamed through Peacock. Additional live streams will be available through the Paralympics website.
Looking to engage even more with the Paralympics? Follow along on social media top athletes such as Spanish swimmer Daniel Dias, British racer Hannah Cockcroft, and American swimmer Anastasia Pagonis on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content. Explore the hashtag “#Paralympics” for additional inspiring updates and stories from across the world.
Many teams have dedicated websites with information about their athletes and opportunities for donations. Contributions support essential areas such as training, health and wellness resources, and innovative equipment, crucial for ensuring success in the games.
Highlights of the Paris 2024 Paralympics:
Opening ceremonies will feature a pair of French Athletes, sprinter Nantenin Keïta and triathlete Alexis Hanquinquant leading a parade through Paris while carrying their nation’s flag.
Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the games, captures the excitement of the upcoming event by stating, “From the Champs-Élysées to Place de la Concorde, I look forward to creating a spectacle that will transform the heart of Paris with performances unlike anything ever seen before.”
As part of the continued growth and awareness surrounding the Paralympics this year, eight athletes and one guide runner will represent the largest-ever Refugee Paralympic Team. This team will compete in various events, including powerlifting, table tennis, taekwondo, triathlon, and fencing.
Key Dates:
- Opening Ceremony: August 28, 2024
- Swimming: August 31 – September 6, 2024
- Cycling (Track): August 30 – September 4, 2024
- Volleyball: August 29 – September 8, 2024
- Powerlifting: September 1 – September 6, 2024
- Wheelchair Basketball Finals: September 9, 2024
- Closing Ceremony: September 8, 2024
Standout Events to Watch For:
- Wheelchair Rugby: Sarah Adam will be the first woman to represent Team USA in wheelchair rugby at Paris 2024, aiming to inspire others through her role as a key ball carrier.
- Powerlifting: Mexico’s Amalia Pérez, competing in her seventh Paralympics, and Egypt’s Sherif Osman, with a world record lift of 211 kg, will both be making
- Goalball: Played in complete silence to aid visually impaired athletes, goalball will see teams compete for gold medals from August 29 to September 5.
- Cycling: The Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines Velodrome will host 17 gold medal events from August 29 to September 1, focusing on team sprints and individual
Westchester Independent Living Center is dedicated to supporting the disability community. During the Paris 2024 Paralympics, we celebrate the achievements of these athletes as they inspire our continued advocacy for greater inclusion and accessibility. Join us in supporting these athletes and embracing the spirit of the Paralympics.
If you are seeking guidance for accessing the resources and opportunities you need in order to live independently, please reach out today to WILC at (914) 682-3926 or PILS at (845) 228-7457.
