The ceremony begins with a dance performance on the Place de la Concorde

The show opened with a performance by Lucky Love, a French singer who lost his left arm at birth, along with performers in wheelchairs.

They were followed by the Paralympians’ parade, who will compete in the city for 11 days. The Games are expected to have the second-highest attendance of any Paralympic Games, after London in 2012, according to the Associated Press.

Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee, said in a statement to the AP: “We are in the heart of the city,” adding: “The symbolism behind this is like the city of Paris giving our athletes a giant hug.”

Nicky Nieves and Steve Sario carry the Team USA flag

Wheelchair basketball athlete Steve Serio and star sitting volleyball player Nicky Nieves led Team USA’s charge by carrying the American flag down the Champs-Elysees to the Place de la Concorde, where Olympic events including skateboarding, 3×3 basketball and breaking bad took place.

Wheelchair basketball medalist Jitske Visser told Olympics.com: “What an incredible moment for our athletes, who will be part of a historic opening ceremony, on the most famous avenue in the world, surrounded by all the charm of Paris.”

Dancing is central

Opening Ceremony Artistic Director Thomas Jolly told Olympics.com ahead of the event that the event will “celebrate Paralympic athletes and the values ​​they embody.”

Christine and the Queens kick off the festivities

Christine and the Queens delivered a rocking set to open the Games, while Paralympians joined in the fun at the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympics

Seen Phyrges!

The adorable mascots of the Paralympic and Olympic Games — the Phryges — performed in front of the Obelisque de Louxor to get the thousands of fans ready for a fantastic 11 days of Games.

IPC President Parsons told the AP that of the 2.5 million tickets for the Paralympic events, 2 million have been sold.

Breathtaking views at the Louvre

The city of Paris has raised the bar this year as host of the Olympic Games in a unique way

The plume of smoke in the colours of the French national flag, released by the French elite acrobatics team “Patrouille de France”, is seen above the Louvre Pyramid during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.

Team Nigeria arrives

Flag bearer Lauritta Onye led the way for Team Nigeria, carrying the national flag as they paraded through the streets of Paris.

The Paralympic athletes enjoyed much better weather during the outdoor ceremony than during the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony on August 11, when heavy rain fell as the athletes sailed in boats along the River Seine.