A Spectacular Farewell: France Celebrates the End of the Paralympic Games in Style
With a dazzling display of fireworks, laser beams, breakdancing, and a pulsating set from renowned French electronica artists, France bid adieu to the Paralympic Games on Sunday night with the grandest celebration ever held in the country. The spectacular summer of athletic accomplishments in Paris had left audiences cheering hoarsely, forever changing the nation's perspective on sport and disability. As the moment arrived to say farewell, Parisians felt a sense of sadness, eager to revel in one last night of festivity.
The closing ceremony transformed the Stade de France in Saint-Denis into an electrifying dance party. Elite para-athletes joined in celebration, conga-lining around the athletics track where records had recently been shattered. The Paris Games organizers emphasized their aim to prove that they "know how to party," leaving no doubt about the vivacious spirit of the French capital.
Jean-Michel Jarre, the godfather of synthesizers and laser shows, led an exhilarating performance rich with sights and sounds of France's electro dance music heritage. Brilliant light displays, intersecting lasers, and fiery bursts adorned the stage, culminating in an electrifying DJ set by Martin Solveig, who played Daft Punk's anthem "One More Time" amidst a spectacle of dancing para-athletes and oversized mascots.
Earlier in the evening, the French Republican Guard military band set the tone by performing Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive," while para-athletes paraded with flags from their respective nations. Notably, the closing ceremony made headlines by featuring an extraordinary breakdancing segment showcasing many disabled dancers, a nod to the Paris Games’ controversial decision to include breakdance in the Olympics.
A highlight of the night was a haunting performance by the blind Malian duo Amadou and Mariam, who delivered a mesmerizing cover of Serge Gainsbourg's song "Je suis venu te dire que je m'en vais" as the final Paralympic flame was extinguished. Additionally, a powerful rendition of the French national anthem, "La Marseillaise," was brought to life by André Feydy, an acclaimed disabled trumpeter, leaving an emotional impact on the crowd.
Andre Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee, reflected on the historic achievements during these Games, marking it as the most spectacular Paralympic Games to date. China topped the medals table, followed closely by Great Britain and the United States as they prepare to pass the torch to Los Angeles for the 2028 Games.
The event set new benchmarks, with a record 169 competing nations and a combined ticket sales of 12 million for both the Olympics and Paralympics, surpassing the previous record held by London in 2012. Parsons acknowledged the tremendous support from the French crowds, who have now etched their reputation as passionate fans on the global stage.
With a torrent of rain reminiscent of the Olympic opening ceremony, athletes danced energetically as flames erupted into the night sky, celebrating moments of joy and triumph. The closing showcase of decades of French electronic dance music, including artists like Étienne de Crécy, Kavinsky, Kittin, and Kungs, had the audience on their feet, a fitting tribute to the tradition of making the Paralympics more accessible and appealing to younger demographics.
Ali Stroker, the first wheelchair-bound actor to grace a Broadway stage, performed the US national anthem as Paris handed over the baton to Los Angeles for the upcoming 2028 Games. Tony Estanguet, the Paris Olympics chief organizer and a three-time Olympic canoe champion, expressed gratitude for the transformative impact of the Paralympic Games, emphasizing the extraordinary connections formed and the inclusive world showcased during the event.
As the night concluded, Estanguet reminded us that thanks to the athletes, France has witnessed what true inclusivity looks like, igniting a much-needed revolution in the perception of disability and sport. As celebrations linger, the anticipation builds for what lies ahead, not just in sports but in society's collective understanding and acceptance of differences.
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