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Following the conclusion of the Olympics In Paris, the focus is on the 16th edition of the Paralympic Games, with more than 4,000 athletes representing more than 150 nations in 22 sports.
This is the first time that France has hosted the Summer Paralympics, having organised the 1992 Winter Games in Tignes and Albertville.
Many Olympic venues, including Roland Garros, the gardens of the Palace of Versailles and the Stade de France, are once again hosting events. Here’s everything you need to know about this summer’s Paralympic Games.
When do the Paralympic Games start? Date and time
The opening ceremony for this summer’s Paralympic Games will take place on Wednesday, August 28. The first day of competition will be on Thursday, August 29. The final day of competition, as well as the closing ceremony, will be on Sunday, September 8. Start times for each day will be similar to those of the Olympic Games, with early starts and events throughout the day.
Paralympic Games tickets: prices and how to get them
Tickets are still available through the official website. You can access it by clicking on this linkPrices include a one-day Discovery Pass for €24 (£20.50), which allows you to see multiple sessions in one day (access to the day’s eligible sessions). Another offer is the ability to purchase two children’s tickets for just €10 for every two adult tickets purchased. As always, more expensive seats are available in the hospitality sections.
Opening and closing ceremonies of the Paralympic Games
As was the case at the Olympic Games, the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games will not take place in a stadium, but will be held at some of Paris’ most famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde and the Trocadero.
Thomas Jolly, Artistic Director of the ceremonies, said: “While the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony will be the first of its kind, its monumental and popular concept is, for me, above all a magnificent source of inspiration.
“From the Champs-Élysées to the Place de la Concorde, I hope to create this show that will transform the heart of Paris, with performances never seen before.
“A spectacle that will showcase Paralympic athletes and the values they embody. A spectacle that will unite spectators and television audiences around the world around the unique spirit of the Paralympic Games.”
How can I watch the Paralympic Games?
Channel 4 has exclusive live TV coverage in the UK with more than 1,300 hours of coverage scheduled. You can also watch it via its online streaming service or on Channel 4’s YouTube channel. The BBC says it will have a nightly programme featuring Paralympic highlights most nights.
What sports are in the Paralympic Games?
There are 22 sports at the Paralympic Games with a total of 549 gold medals up for grabs. Last time out in Tokyo, ParalympicsGB finished second in the medal table behind China. The full list of sports is as follows:
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Football for the blind
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Boccia
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Goalball
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Paralympic Archery
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Para-athletics
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Para-badminton
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Para-canoe
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Paracycling
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Para-equestrian
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Para-judo
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Paralympic Weightlifting
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Para-rowing
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Para-swimming
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Para-Para Table Tennis
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Para-taekwondo
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Para-triathlon
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Paralympic shooting
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Sitting volleyball
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Wheelchair basketball
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Wheelchair fencing
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Wheelchair rugby
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Wheelchair tennis
Who are the ParalympicsGB stars to watch?
ParalympicsGB will bring around 220 Paralympic athletes to Paris. Blind football, goalball and sitting volleyball will be the only sports of the 22 not to feature British athletes. Athletes to watch include Hollie Arnold in Paralympics; Matt Bush in Taekwondo; Rachel Choong in Badminton; Hannah Cockroft in Paralympics; Funmi Oduwaiye in Paralympics; David Smith in Boccia; Claire Taggart in Boccia; Iona Winnifrith in Swimming and Thomas Young in Paralympics.
