The closing ceremony took place on Sunday at a sodden Stade de France, capping off a summer athletic extravaganza that began on July 26 amid pouring rain with a spectacular opening ceremony for the Paris Olympics on the Seine River. It draws close to two fascinating Games that enthralled spectators and set a high standard for others to meet. Los Angeles, good luck in 2028. The national anthem, “La Marseillaise,” was played on the trumpet, and Paralympic flag bearers entered the stadium carrying national flags as “Chariots of Fire” by Vangelis was played. The stadium was illuminated in the French flag’s blue, white, and red colors. As a result, there was an incredible feeling of being on an actual holiday.
Emotions flowed like a river, just like when visiting the GGBet website, which offers an incredible variety of games for every taste. It seems you are standing on the threshold of some great discovery.
During his farewell address Tony Estanguet the head of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris emphasized the importance of fostering an inclusive world. He remarked, “There’s no going back now.” Let’s work towards creating a community where everyone is valued and feels a sense of belonging. Andrew Parsons, the President of the International Paralympic Committee commended France’s exceptional hosting of both Games noting that Paris 2024 has set a new standard for all future Paralympic events.
Known for its exquisite cuisine and fashionable flair,
France is now also emerging as a preferred destination for passionate sports enthusiasts. The lively audience even joined in dancing to a breakdancing show before being treated to a rendition of the American national anthem by Tony Award winner Ali Stroker marking a smooth transition to Los Angeles. Let’s celebrate the achievements of Paris 2024 while eagerly anticipating the next amazing Paralympic Games!
A few Interesting Moments
- Stroker achieved a first for the wheelchair community when she won a Tony Award for her performance as Ado Annie in the Broadway production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” A second part of the televised handoff to LA saw skateboarders and wheelchair motocross riders take center stage at Venice Beach Skate Park, which was converted into a 360-degree stage.
- Then, with artistic director Thomas Jolly again leading the way, the audience erupted in applause as renowned French electronic music composer Jean-Michel Jarre started to round up the event.
- The 76-year-old Jarre ignored the rain that was pouring down on him as he performed like he was in a Paris cabaret.
The summer spirit remained strong even after the exhilarating Olympics. It showcased the excitement of fans worldwide and the charm of the city’s iconic venues. Great attention should be paid to the Paralympics. Athletes were met with remarkable support, although not every venue was completely sold out. It’s easy to see why this happened with the summer break winding down and kids heading back to school. Nevertheless, the excitement of the crowd remained undeterred. A staggering 2.4 million tickets were sold out of a total of 2.8 million, an impressive accomplishment. Just for comparison, only 2.7 million tickets were sold during the 2012 London Games. This achievement is particularly noteworthy considering that by late June only 1 million tickets had been sold. The Paralympics in Paris were a true celebration of sport and diversity!
