The Paralympic Games concluded with an astonishing closing ceremony held at Stade de France in Paris.
Numerous individuals brave the damp climate inside the Stade de France on a Sunday, with athletes from the 169 delegations showcasing their moves and jiving across the venue, symbolizing the conclusion of the competitions.
Entertainment was provided by French electronic musician Jean-Michel Jarre, DJ Martin Solveig, and others, accompanied by mesmerizing light shows and a mesmerizing fireworks display.
"Dear athletes," Tony Estanguet, the Paris 2024 organizing chief, spoke during the ceremony, "this has been spectacular, indisputable, unforgettable, and it's all thanks to you. Every time you competed, more people joined the celebration; every time you succeeded, the excitement intensified.
"With every gasp, every cheer, every pulse you invoked, you altered the narrative surrounding sports and disabilities."
Additionally, Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee, claimed that Paris had "set the standard" for future Paralympics, encouraging social advancement for individuals with disabilities.
"Beyond these 12 days of competition, we need to breakdown the barriers that exist in society," Parsons voiced out. "We need to provide opportunities and empower persons with disabilities to thrive outside of athletics, in education, employment, entertainment, government, civil society – everywhere.
"Diversity and uniqueness should not divide us. Diversity and uniqueness should bring us together, inspire change and make this world a better place for all."
Around 4,400 athletes participated in this year's Paralympics, covering 549 medal events in 22 sports. Countless records were broken, such as more than 40 in para athletics and 30 in swimming.
China topped the medal count with 94 golds (220 total), leaving Great Britain in second place with 49 golds and USA in third with 36. This is the sixth consecutive year that China has led the medal count, with Britain and the USA also placing second and third respectively in the Tokyo Paralympics.
The US concluded the Games with 106 medals, one more than in Tokyo, and chose swimmer Ellie Marks and wheelchair basketball player Paul Schulte, veterans of the team attending their third and fourth Paralympic Games in Paris, as flagbearers at the closing ceremony.
The focus now moves to Los Angeles, which will organize the following Olympics and Paralympics in 2028.
Actress and Broadway star Ali Stroker, the first Tony award-winner in a wheelchair, sang the American national anthem at the closing ceremony as the Paralympic flag was handed over to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
"The enthusiasm and camaraderie displayed during the sporting events at the Stade de France were truly inspiring."
"After a successful run in Paris, the focus shifts to Los Angeles for the next edition of Olympic and Paralympic Games, where athletes will continue to showcase their skills and love for sports."
