28 August: The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony at Place de la Concorde. Canadian Paralympic champions Pat Anderson and Katarina Roxon proudly led Team Canada as flag-bearers, marching from the Arc de Triomphe to the iconic square. Anderson, a six-time Paralympian in wheelchair basketball, and Roxon, a swimmer making her fifth Paralympic appearance, were among the 126 Canadian athletes participating across 18 sports.
The event showcased a parade of 4,400 athletes from 182 delegations, set against the backdrop of a sunset and vibrant smoke displays in the colors of the French national flag. The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including Canadian Governor General Mary Simon, and attracted a crowd of 50,000 spectators. Accessibility was emphasized with special arrangements made for wheelchair users.
A striking aerial display saw fighter jets release red, white, and blue vapours, symbolizing the French flag, while the delegations entered in alphabetical order. The opening ceremony, conducted outdoors, marked the beginning of 12 days of competition, with the first medals to be awarded in taekwondo, table tennis, swimming, and track cycling.
For the first time, Canadian Paralympians will receive financial rewards equal to those of their Olympic counterparts for podium finishes, with $20,000 for gold, $15,000 for silver, and $10,000 for bronze. This new initiative reflects the recognition of the athletes’ hard work and achievements.
