**Paralympic Flame Ignited in Paris 2024**
The 2024 Paralympic Games officially commenced on Wednesday, August 28, showcasing athletes from 167 nations and a team of Paralympic refugees. The opening parade saw Afghanistan lead the countries around the circuit established at the Place de la Concorde.
Mexico’s delegation entered the circuit with Salvador Hernández and Fabiola Ramírez as flag bearers, accompanied by Mexican flags, lucha libre masks, and rattles. The host nation, France, concluded the parade to the tune of Joe Dassin’s “Les Champs-Élysées.”
French President Emmanuel Macron officially declared the Games open, praising the efforts of all participants and supporters. “Thank you to the athletes, artists, volunteers, and everyone here tonight. I proclaim the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games inaugurated,” President Macron announced.
The Olympic flame arrived at Place de la Concorde carried by French multi-medalist swimmer Florent Manaudou, symbolically bridging Olympism and Paralympism. Manaudou handed the torch to tennis player Michael Jeremiasz, accompanied by “The Bolero” by Ravel and surrounded by numerous artists with candles.
In a historic moment, Jeremiasz passed the flame to Italian Paralympic fencer Beatrice Vio, marking the first time an athlete from another country participated in this ceremony. Vio then passed the torch to American rowing champion Oksana Masters, who handed it to German jumper Marcus Rehm. Rehm carried the flame to the Tuileries Garden, followed by several artists with flames. The torch continued its journey to the cauldron where Charles-Antoine Kouakou, Nantenin Keita, Fabien Lamirault, Alexis Hanquinquant, and Elodie Lorandi ignited a hot air balloon that ascended into the Parisian sky.
On Thursday, August 29, the first medals in Para Taekwondo, Para Table Tennis, and Cycling will be awarded. Athletes will compete in classifications based on their disability levels to ensure fairness. Only two sports, Goalball and Boccia, lack Olympic counterparts.
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**Secondary Article: USA Today Coverage of the Paralympic Opening Ceremony**
The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games was a spectacular event, filled with symbolic gestures and memorable moments. Athletes from around the world, including a unique participation of the refugee Paralympic team, made their entrance in a parade symbolizing unity and resilience.
The heartwarming highlight was the relay of the Paralympic torch. The flame was brought into the Place de la Concorde by Florent Manaudou and later handed over to different athletes from across the globe, including Beatrice Vio of Italy and Oksana Masters from the USA. This diverse handover emphasized the inclusive spirit of the Games.
The ceremony also featured a stunning performance by numerous artists with candles, creating an enchanting atmosphere as Ravel’s “The Bolero” played in the background. The event reached its climax with Charles-Antoine Kouakou and others lighting a hot air balloon that soared into the night sky, a symbol of dreams taking flight.
As the Games kick off, athletes are preparing for their competitions, with the first medals set to be awarded in Para Taekwondo, Para Table Tennis, and Cycling. The meticulous classification system ensures that the competitions are fair and allow athletes to showcase their best abilities.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games not only celebrate athletic excellence but also highlight the global commitment to diversity and inclusion in sports.