4,400 athletes from 168 delegations and 35,000 fans watched another historic sporting event unfold against the magnificent backdrop of the City of Light.
Just a little over two weeks since we bid au revoir to the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, we say bonjour to another huge sporting event—the Summer Paralympics.
The Opening Ceremony of the Paris Paralympics, which was held Aug 28 (Paris time) marked the first in history to take place outside of a stadium, just like the Olympics. The event, titled “From Discord to Concord: A Reflection on the Place of People with Disabilities in Society,” aimed to convey the paradox between a “society that claims to be inclusive but remains full of prejudice towards people with disabilities.”
Thomas Jolly, artistic director of the Summer Olympics’ opening and closing ceremonies was back at the helm. Alexander Ekman, meanwhile, was the ceremony’s choreographer, and saw him employing five artistic segments with 140 artists and 16 performers with disabilities.
The weather was much more cooperative than it was during the curtain raiser of the Summer Olympics, which saw athletes, performers, and spectators drenched in the not-so-romantic Parisian rain. This time around, 4,400 athletes from 168 delegations and 35,000 fans basked in the splendor of Paris’ famed sunset.
Opening the event was French para swimmer Théo Curin, who drove a cab down the Champs-Élysées, an homage to the popular French show “Théo Le Taxi.” The cab was too darn cute, decked in hundreds of Phryges, the official mascot of the Paris Olympics and Paralympic Games. The mascot takes the shape and form of a Phrygian cap, a symbol of freedom and to represent allegorical figures of the French republic.
The program proper began against the imposing obelisk of Place de la Concorde with the introductions of French President Emmanuel Macron and of Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee.
Once the formalities were done and over with, it was time to party, with performances by Canadian musician Chilly Gonzales, and French singer and songwriter Christine and the Queens.
A few minutes later, Curin pulled up in his taxi and walked onto the stage, before hollering “Welcome to Paris!” to an excited crowd as the French colors shot into the sky.
The parade of athletes followed, beginning with Afghanistan and proceeding in mostly alphabetical order, and also including the Refugee Paralympic Team. The six-member strong Philippine delegation donned national costumes designed by esteeemd “weave artiste” and fashion designer Ditta Sandico. The vibrant and eye-catching pieces are made of “banaca,” a fine blend of banana and abaca fibers.
Veteran para swimmers Ernie Gawilan and para archer Agustina Bantiloc served as the flag bearers. Wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan, para swimmer Angel Otom, para javelin thrower Cendy Asusano, and para taekwondoin Allain Ganapin completed the country’s medal hopefuls.
After the athletes’ parade, the next two Olympic and Paralympic hosts—the United States and Australia—followed. The host French delegation paraded last. Each group of athletes paraded from the bottom of the Champs-Élysées and entered the La Concorde arena to the warm greeting of cheerful and bouncy Phryges.
Afterwards, it was time for more music with an electrified performance by American-French singer Joe Dassin.
The parade was capped by a song number from French artist Lucky Love who sang “My Ability.” Dancers representing the “Strict Society” walked around the stage, observing the performers in the center. The dance symbolizes the realization against prejudices, leading to awakening and reflection.
The French national anthem, “The Marseillaise,” performed by Ensemble Matheus, accompanied the raising of the French flag as the Eiffel Tower was lit up.
Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, gave a speech in both French and English, while Parsons delivered a powerful message.
“These Paralympians are not here to participate,” he said. “They are here to compete, win and smash world records. … But they are also here for equality for the nearly 1.3 billion persons around the world with disabilities. They will redefine what you think is possible.”
Parsons then gave way to President Macron, who officially declared the Paris Paralympic Games open, the first in France since 1992, when the Winter Paralympic Games were held in Tignes and Albertville, and the first-ever in Paris.
For Team Philippines’ schedule, you may visit this link.
