Happy New Year from IPC President Andrew Parsons

Happy New Year! It is 2024 – the year that the Paralympic Games will take centre stage in Paris, showcasing the very best of Para sports. International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons is confident that the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will be the “most spectacular” Games ever. 

“It is with excitement and joy that we begin 2024, a Paralympic year. No doubt the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will propel our movement to the next level,” Parsons said in his New Year’s message. “In August, the eyes of the world will be on Place de la Concorde for what will be a historical and incredible Opening Ceremony.” 

The Opening Ceremony on 28 August will serve as a grand kickoff to the 12-day sporting event, which will feature 549 medal events across 22 sports. It will be held outside a stadium for the first time in Paralympic history, with the Athletes’ Parade leading down the iconic Champs-Élysées in the heart of the French capital to Place de la Concorde.  

About 4,400 athletes from an expected record number of participating National Paralympic Committees are set to take part in the first-ever summer Paralympic Games in France.  

“After two Games editions without spectators due to the pandemic, these Games are highly anticipated by athletes, by stakeholders, by the whole world, and we will see incredible action in incredible venues close to incredible landmarks,” Parsons said. 

"Thanks to our National Paralympic Committees, International Federations and an IPC investment of more than EUR 30 million over the last decade into membership development, Paris will likely involve a record number of participating teams, including a refugee team for the third successive Games. 

“Across all 22 sports, I expect sport performance to reach astronomical levels, thrilling the packed crowds and billions of global TV viewers. It is these sporting performances that will change attitudes towards the world’s 1.2 billion persons with disabilities, creating greater opportunities for all in the long-run.” 

With eight months to go, the Paris 2024 Paralympics are already delivering a tremendous legacy. President Macron has announced EUR 1.6 billion of investment into projects that will advance the lives of persons with disabilities, while the City of Paris is taking significant steps to improve accessibility. This is proof that Change Starts with Sport.

The Paralympic Flame will be created in Stock Mandeville, the historic birthplace of Paralympic sport, and will embark on a four-day journey to Paris to light the cauldron during the Opening Ceremony on 28 August.  

Ticket sales for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games are now on sale and can be purchased here.