Paris 2024 Paralympics Closing Ceremony: Rainy Farewell to a Historic Games, City Celebrates with Vibrant Festivities
Paris 2024 Paralympics Concludes with Rain-Soaked but Spectacular Closing Ceremony
The Paris 2024 Paralympics wrapped up with an unforgettable closing ceremony on Sunday, celebrating a remarkable summer of sports in the French capital despite the challenges of heavy rain.
The grand finale, held at the Stade de France, featured an electrifying atmosphere as 24 artists from France’s electronic music scene performed. The rain did little to dampen the spirits of the 4,400 athletes representing 168 delegations, who were treated to a dynamic and engaging show.
Tony Estanguet, Chief Organiser for Paris 2024 and former Olympic canoeist, hailed the Games as a historic event. “France had a date with history, and the country showed up,” Estanguet said. “2024 will be etched in people’s memories.” The closing ceremony marked the end of an extraordinary season that saw France shine both in sport and in spirit.
International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons praised France for setting a new standard. “For a country renowned for its fashion and food, France is now celebrated for its passionate fans,” he said.
The ceremony saw Great Britain’s flagbearers Poppy Maskill and Matt Bush take center stage. Maskill, at just 19, secured three gold medals, equaling the record for most golds won by a British athlete at Paris 2024. Her achievements, alongside swimming teammate Alice Tai and wheelchair racer Sammi Kinghorn, were a highlight of the Games. Matt Bush, aged 35, clinched GB’s first gold in Para-taekwondo, adding to the nation’s impressive haul.
Great Britain finished second in the medal standings with a total of 124 medals—49 gold, 44 silver, and 31 bronze—surpassing their medal count from Tokyo by eight golds.
The closing ceremony, however, was not without its hiccups. High winds and rain prevented the Paralympic flame, housed in a hot air balloon-inspired cauldron, from making its final ascent from the Tuileries Gardens. French boccia player Aurélie Aubert had the honor of extinguishing the flame, surrounded by fellow athletes.
Despite the weather, Paris celebrated in style as Jean-Michel Jarre, a pioneer of electronic music, delivered an hour-long set featuring various DJs. The city’s resilience and enthusiasm continued to shine through the storm.
Looking ahead, the next summer Paralympics will be held in Los Angeles in 2028. The closing ceremony included a preview of the upcoming Games, with Broadway star Ali Stroker performing the American national anthem and rapper Anderson .Paak leading a vibrant performance set against the iconic Venice Beach backdrop.
The Paris 2024 Paralympics will be remembered for its incredible performances, the spirit of the athletes, and the city’s ability to party through the rain. Paris has set a high bar for future Games, leaving a lasting impression on the global sporting community.