A look back at the Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France
On September 8, the Stade de France hosted the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The Games are thus officially over. Let’s take a look back at these unforgettable moments, brought to a close by a grandiose ceremony.
For the French delegation, the objective was clear: to make it into the top 10 of the most medal-winning nations. An ambitious challenge that was obviously met. With 75 medals, including 19 gold, France ended the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on a high note. The country thus ranks 8th in the medal table. This edition, dominated by China, left a lasting impression… Both in terms of the quality of the sporting performances and theemotion palpable throughout the various events. The French athletes also demonstrated exceptional tenacity and talent.
Among them, cyclist Marie Patouillet and swimmer Ugo Didier shone particularly brightly. They won several gold and silver medals respectively. Cycling was France’s star discipline. In fact, it alone brought home 10 gold medals! A special mention also goes to Nélia Barbosa, who won a silver medal in kayaking over 200 metres on the final day of competition. The collective performance of the Paralympic athletes puts a definitive end toa disappointing 2021 edition in Tokyo. France came 14th.
Paralympic Games: an unforgettable Closing Ceremony
Despite the capricious weather, the event was a real celebration. Over 60,000 spectators and all the delegations came to celebrate the end of 11 days of intense emotion. The evening began with an outstanding performance by singer Santa, who sang Johnny Hallyday‘s “Vivre pour le meilleur”. She brought an emotional touch to the show. This was followed by the passage of the flag-bearers of the various nations, with a heartfelt tribute to French athletes Tanguy de La Forest and Aurélie Aubert, both of whom received rapturous applause.
Under the artistic direction of Thomas Jolly, the ceremony resembled a giant nightclub. French electronic music icon Jean-Michel Jarre led a spectacular DJ set alongside 24 other artists, including Martin Solveig and Kungs! A vibrant, festive show that rounded off the Games perfectly. Finally, the baton was passed to Los Angeles, the next host city of the Games in 2028, before Aurélie Aubert extinguished the flame. She thus brought to a close this historic summer, which will remain engraved in the memories of the French people.