When the Olympics kicked off on the river Seine in Paris on July 26, we were immediately gripped. It was the most high-fashion Olympics we’ve ever seen, and Australian women absolutely dominating the medal tally only intensified our obsession with the event. When the closing ceremony wrapped, we were left with an Olympics-shaped hole in our evening wind-down routines.
The good news is, that gap is about to be filled by the Paralympic Games. Kicking off in the early hours of August 29, athletes from all over the world will gather in Paris to compete in the 11-day competition that includes 22 sports.
Also known as the Games of Paralympiad, it is the world’s largest international event for disabled athletes. The first Paralympics was held in London in 1948, though it’s come a long way since the 16 athletes competed at the time. In 2024, more than 4,000 athletes from 179 countries will compete across 22 sports.
We can’t wait for all the action to start later this month — here’s everything you need to know about the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
When Are The Paris 2024 Paralympics?
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will begin on Thursday, August 29th and end on Sunday, September 8, 2024. Just like with the Olympics earlier this month, the time difference makes watching many of the events in real-time tricky, but we’re committed to soaking up as much of the action as we can.
Where Are The Paris 2024 Paralympics Being Held?
We’re sure you’ve guessed by now but the 2024 Paralympics are, of course, being hosted in Paris. Though this year marked the third time the French capital city has played host to the Olympics, it’s only the first time the Paralympics have taken place in Paris, and the second time in France (the 1992 Winter Paralympics were hosted in Tignes and Albertville).
According to the official Olympics website, “the Paralympic Games will be held in Paris and its suburbs such as Clichy-sous-Bois, La Courneuve, Versailles, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines and Vaires-sur-Marne. Outside of Paris, para shooting will be held in Châteauroux.”
How Can I Watch The Paris 2024 Paralympics From Australia?
Like the Olympics, you can stay up to date on all the Paralympic action on Channel 9 and 9Now. The hub is already filled with athlete profiles, so you can brush up on their journeys to the Paralympic Games before they compete later this month.
How Can I Watch The Paris 2024 Paralympics Opening Ceremony In Australia?
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will officially kick off with an opening ceremony at the Place de la Concorde on August 28, local time. Due to the time difference, it will air on August 29 at 3:55am on Thursday (NSW, QLD, VIC, TAS, and ACT), 3:25am ACST (SA and NT), and 1:25am (WA).
The Australian flag bearers have also been announced for the opening ceremony, with six-time Paralympic medallist and wheelchair racer Madison de Rozaio and seven-time medallist and swimmer Brenden Hall leading the Australian contingent into the 11-day competition.
You can watch the opening ceremony on 9Now.
How Many Australian Athletes Are Competing At The Paris 2024 Paralympics?
The Paralympic Games will bring together up to 4,400 athletes from around the world to compete across 549 events and 22 sports. Australia is sending 160 athletes, which is slightly fewer than the 179 who competed in Tokyo in 2021. They will compete in 17 out of 22 sports on the schedule.
Many firsts are happening at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, with brothers Chad and Kane Perris set to become the first siblings to compete at the Paralympics together since 1992 in Barcelona. Meanwhile, Hani Watson and Ben Wright will become the first Aussies to compete in para powerlifting, the 13-member triathlon squad is our biggest ever, and as many as 61 athletes will debut at the Paralympic Games.
Like the Olympic Games, our Paralympians are known for winning plenty of medals at the Games. At the Tokyo Games, Australia came eighth in the medal tally, and we can’t wait to see how they perform this year.
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