Top Moments from Paris 2024 Paralympics Closing Ceremony: Breakdancing, Music, and More
France ended the Paralympic Games with a huge party full of fireworks, laser lights, breakdancing, and French electronic music. It was one of the biggest celebrations the country has ever had. The people of Paris were sad to see the Games end after a summer filled with amazing athletic achievements that changed how the nation thinks about sports and disabilities.
The closing ceremony was held at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, which was turned into a massive dance party. Some of the world’s best para-athletes danced around the stadium, celebrating their achievements. The event was designed to show that Paris knows how to have a good time, and it certainly did!
Jean-Michel Jarre, a famous French electronic music artist, led a spectacular show with flashing lights, laser beams, and flames shooting up from the stage. DJ Martin Solveig played Daft Punk’s "One More Time," and the stage was filled with dancing para-athletes, giant mascots, and fireworks.
Earlier, the French Republican Guard military band played "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor as the athletes paraded with their countries’ flags. There was also a powerful breakdancing performance by disabled dancers, which amazed everyone in the stadium.
A surprise performance of the night was by the blind Malian singers Amadou and Mariam. They sang a beautiful version of Serge Gainsbourg’s song "Je Suis Venu te Dire que Je M’en Vais" as the Paralympic flame was extinguished. Another emotional moment came with a new version of the French national anthem, "La Marseillaise," played by André Feydy, a talented disabled French trumpeter.
Andrew Parsons, the president of the International Paralympic Committee, called these the "most spectacular Paralympic Games ever." Over 12 exciting days, China won the most medals, with Great Britain in second place and the United States in third. He praised the French fans for their energy and enthusiasm, saying that France, known for its fashion and food, is now famous for its fans.
Paris 2024 broke records by selling 12 million tickets for the Olympic and Paralympic Games combined, more than any previous Games. Even though it rained during the closing ceremony, the athletes kept dancing as flames lit up the sky.
The celebration included famous French DJs like Étienne de Crécy and Kavinsky, and thousands of spectators danced in their seats. The event showed how Paris aimed to attract younger audiences to the Paralympics.
Ali Stroker, the first actor who uses a wheelchair to perform on a Broadway stage, sang the U.S. national anthem as Paris handed over the Games to Los Angeles for 2028. Tony Estanguet, the chief organizer of the Paris Olympics, said the Games had made people better and brought everyone closer to a more inclusive world. He thanked the Paralympians for showing what an inclusive world looks like and encouraged everyone to continue the "Paralympic revolution."
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