Chris and Will have been covering the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The event has been more than exhilarating; it's become a profound lesson in self-discovery for all who view it with an open mind. The event itself has surpassed expectations, captivating fans worldwide.
As the Paris 2024 Paralympics approached, Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, anticipated that these Games would be the most extraordinary yet. "Now at the midpoint, it's clear that these Games will be remembered as the ones that established new standards for the Paralympics in numerous respects," stated Parsons. With 2.3 million tickets already sold, these Games rank just behind the London 2012 Paralympic Games, which sold 2.7 million tickets. However, Parsons emphasized that it's not just the numbers but also the crowd's fervor that has rendered Paris 2024 momentous. "What's truly unique this time is the French populace. The atmosphere in the venues is absolutely electric. The athletes can't stop talking about the excitement. Their joy is palpable, and it has elevated the sport to unprecedented heights, marking an incredible chapter in the history of the Paralympic Movement," Parsons remarked.
Before the Paralympic Games commenced, Parsons anticipated that the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games would be historic due to the unprecedented media presence (2,000 journalists), a record number of broadcasters (over 225 Rights Holder broadcasters), and participating nations. He noted that the unique design of the Games, with venues situated near Paris's iconic landmarks, has distinguished these Games from previous ones. "Having all the venues close to the city's heart brings the Paralympic Games nearer to the people," he remarked. This sentiment was evident during the Opening Ceremony at Place de la Concorde, which symbolized Paris embracing the Paralympic Movement.
Paris 2024 has disclosed that over 90 percent of ticket purchasers are French, with half being first-time viewers of Paralympic sports. Parsons observed a remarkable scene at a blind football game near the Eiffel Tower, where silence is essential for players to hear the ball. "The crowd was loud when appropriate, but witnessing them perform a silent Mexican wave was extraordinary. They grasped the situation, comprehending the on-field action as though they had been Paralympic spectators for years," he noted. Parsons is confident that the Games will create an enduring impact on the fans who have experienced them.
At the Opening Ceremony in Place de La Concorde, a site renowned for its significance during the French Revolution, Parsons advocated for an "inclusion revolution." He expressed, "While the Paralympic Games are a thrilling sports event, we also aspire for the Games to catalyze global change and foster this inclusion revolution. With unprecedented media coverage, Paris 2024 is poised to make a substantial positive impact worldwide." Following Parsons' address, his name surged to the top of Google searches related to the Paralympics. He stated, "Serving these athletes is an honor, the greatest honor of my life. If my role piques public interest and amplifies our message, that's fantastic, especially as it aids in promoting our movement."
You can find more of Chris and Will's coverage of the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games on their podcast "What About Their Life?" available through the iHeartRadio app or your preferred podcast platform.
