PARIS, France: The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games concluded with a vibrant, rain-soaked celebration at the Stade de France on Sunday.
The closing ceremony featured an electrifying electro-party led by 24 French DJs, including the legendary Jean-Michel Jarre and Cassius, transforming the stadium into a lively dance floor. Earlier, the 169 delegations paraded to iconic French songs, with spectators enthusiastically singing along.
The International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons received the Paralympic flag from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, and Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles became the first Black woman to accept the flag at a Paralympic closing ceremony. Ali Stroker played the American national anthem.
“Nobody wants these Games to come to an end,” said Paris 2024 president Tony Estanguet, as Paris passed the baton to Los Angeles for the 2028 Games. He urged the audience to give the para-athletes the “longest, loudest, craziest ovation,” a call met with thunderous applause, contrasting sharply with the boos for French President Emmanuel Macron.
Although the Olympic cauldron, meant to ascend into the sky in a hot-air balloon, remained grounded due to rain, the evening maintained its celebratory spirit, ending the Games on a high note.
