The Moroccan delegation, consisting of 38 athletes (24 men and 14 women), marched to warm applause from the audience, with the national flag carried by wheelchair tennis champion Najwa Awan and blind futsal player Hicham Lamlas.
After this protocol paragraph, the opening show began, which was filled with joy with music, dance performances, songs, light shows, and testimonials from athletes with special needs.
Before French President Emmanuel Macron announced the opening of the Games, he thanked the volunteers, athletes and the public, while Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris 2024 Olympics, used his speech on the occasion to encourage athletes with special needs to give their best.
“With all the emotions you will make us live, you will carry a message that will never be erased. This is the Paralympic revolution,” said Estangi, promising the audience “an experience of crazy moments.”
For his part, the President of the International Paralympic Committee, Andrew Parsons, confirmed that the athletes will demonstrate in these games that “difference makes us stronger and more beautiful, and it is also a positive element.”
“Let’s open our minds, because what the Paralympics will show you will amaze you (…) They are here to break world records. They have come to triumph for 1.3 billion people with disabilities,” he said, expressing his hope that “these games will become the spark that will launch the revolution of inclusion.”
At the end of the ceremony, the Olympic flame, carried by the famous Chinese artist Jackie Chan, was lit up again in the Tuileries Garden. Some 4,400 athletes, including at least 1,860 women, will take part in the Paralympic Games in Paris, compared to 10,500 in the Olympic Games.
Edited by Maghreb Arab Press Agency
On 08/29/2024 at 09:09
