The closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympics was a grand spectacle, marking the end of an inspiring event.
French singer Santa set the tone with a soulful rendition of Johnny Hallyday’s “Vivre pour le Meilleur,” accompanied by emotional video montages from past Paralympic Games. Although weather conditions canceled the cauldron flight, the ceremony continued with an uplifting spirit.
President Emmanuel Macron and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons made an appearance, followed by the raising of the French flag to the national anthem, “La Marseillaise,” performed by the French Army. The Parade of Nations ensued, with participating countries entering to lively music by the Republican Guard’s band.
India’s flag bearers, Harvinder Singh and Preeti Pal, led their contingent, celebrating India’s record-breaking haul of 29 medals, including seven golds. Singh, India’s first-ever gold medalist in para-archery, and Pal, a double bronze medalist, represented the success of their nation.
The ceremony featured speeches by Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee, and IPC President Andrew Parsons, celebrating the event’s success. The newly elected members of the IPC Athletes Council were also introduced, giving a platform to athletes’ voices in future Paralympic matters.
Volunteers, an essential part of the Games, were thanked with a special tribute, followed by an exciting breakdancing performance from eight dancers to music by DJ Cut Killer, showcasing the diversity of abilities in the sport.
The flag handover ceremony saw Paris pass the baton to Los Angeles for the 2028 Paralympic Games. After the French flag was lowered, the American national anthem was performed by Ali Stroker, with more performances from violinist Gaelynn Lea, rapper Garnet Silver-Hall, and Grammy winner Anderson Paak.
The extinguishing of the Paralympic cauldron took place in the Jardin des Tuileries, with a musical tribute by Amadou and Mariam, before French champion Aurellie Aubert extinguished the flame.
The ceremony concluded with a vibrant electronic music performance at Stade de France, featuring French electronic icons like Jean-Michel Jarre, Breakbot, Kavinsky, and more, turning the stadium into a celebratory disco. Alexandre Leaute, a two-time Paralympic medalist, performed alongside DJ Martin Solveig, closing the 2024 Paralympic Games on a high note.
