Paris hasn’t yet taken off its party clothes, it just put them in the wash for a few weeks, and now it’s started wearing them again. Yes, because after the Olympic binge, the French capital is ready for the second act, the Paralympics, which will last until Sunday 8 September. The opening ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday (live on LA 2 and streaming), in the heart of the city, between the Champs Elysees and Place de la Concorde. Starting at 8:00 pm, the 4,400 athletes and 187 delegations will parade as per tradition in front of over 60,000 people, highlighting values such as inclusion and unity. Suffice it to say that of the 150 dancers, 25 have various disabilities. So there will be plenty of entertainment. Tickets have sold out, but some can still be found at prices that aren’t exactly cheap: they range from 150 to 700 francs.
Of course, Switzerland will also be taking part, with 27 participants. A truly high number that hasn’t been seen since 2008, when there were 28 in Beijing. The goal declared on the eve is to return home with 14 medals, the same number as Tokyo 2020 (or 2021, if you prefer). Many of these should come from athletics, where the Swiss could sweep the precious metals. The great expectation is the eternal Marcel Hug (four golds three years ago). The 38-year-old from Thurgau, who will be one of the two Swiss flag bearers together with Elena Kratter, will try to repeat his feat in his sixth Paralympic participation. Also to keep an eye on is Manuela Schär, who last time won five medals (three silvers and two golds). The second sport that should guarantee a decent haul is cycling. Much hope is placed on Flurina Rigling: her four world titles are in fact an excellent calling card.
Representing Ticino and Italian Switzerland will be Claire Ghiringhelli, qualified in rowing. The 46-year-old lives in France, just a few steps away from the Paralympics and has dual citizenship. For her, who when she trains in Ticino does so with the Locarno rowers, it will be a literally home event. The rower will try to qualify for the finals on the water in Vaires-sur-Marne and then, from there on, dreaming would be more than legitimate.
