The Paralympics 2024: When, Where, and How to See the Paris Games

The Paralympics 2024: When, Where, and How to See the Paris Games

The 2024 Paralympic Games might be precisely what you need if you're yearning something to occupy that hole and missing the thrills of the Olympics. Ready to fight for medals across a wide spectrum of sports, thousands of elite athletes from all across the globe have assembled in Paris. The Paralympics are arrived, and there is much to get enthusiastic about.

When and Where?

Starting this week in Paris, the 2024 Paralympic Games include an amazing outdoor opening ceremony on Wednesday, August 28th. The Games last until September 8th, so you have practically two weeks to savor the fierce rivalry. The Games this year are especially unique as they represent the first time France hosts the summer Paralympics. It's also the first time since the COVID-19 epidemic people could throng the stadiums and support their preferred athletes personally.

What to Look For?

In many respects, the Paralympics this year are poised to shatter records. Organizers have already declared that more female athletes than ever before, an all-time high number of delegations will be present, and more worldwide broadcasters will cover the event. All of this suggests an event more grand than ever.

The ongoing domination of China in the Paralympics is one of the major narratives to monitor. For years, the nation has been a powerhouse in these Games; they will be hoping to keep up their winning run in Paris. Seeing whether any nation can contest them for the top rank will be intriguing.

The involvement of an Italian sprinter scheduled to be the first transgender woman to participate at the Paralympics adds even another big narrative element. This is a turning point in the Games' history as well as in the larger discussion on sports' diversity.

Several highly renowned competitors from Team USA are returning to the Paralympics in hopes of setting fresh marks. Many of these players have participated in several seasons, hence they will want to add to their already outstanding credentials.

Why are the Paralympics distinctive?

Held in the same location and year since the 1988 Summer Games in Seoul and the 1992 Winter Games in France, both the Paralympics and the Olympics are multi-sport competitions. The two events are closely related; the name "Paralympic" even originates from the Greek prepositional "para," meaning "beside." This captures the way the Paralympics are scheduled in line with the Olympics.

Still, the two events vary fundamentally in some important ways. Beginning in the late 1800s, the contemporary Olympics mostly showcase able-bodied competitors. Conversely, the Paralympics center on athletes with impairments. With 10 qualified handicap types acknowledged by the Games, these athletes compete in divisions determined by their particular disabilities. These cover eyesight and cerebral disabilities as well as eight physical disabilities including limb inadequacy and limited muscular strength. The degree of activity restriction arising from their disabilities helps the athletes to be categorized.

Furthermore noteworthy is the fact that the Paralympics is not at all related with the Special Olympics, another big athletic event for athletes with impairments. Comprising a distinct governing body, the Special Olympics centers on athletes with intellectual disability.

How to Observe?

More worldwide broadcasters covering the Paralympics than ever before means you won't have to miss a second of the action. There are several methods to keep current on the Games whether your viewing is on TV or via streaming internet. Review your local listings to learn when and where you could see the events.

The 2024 Paralympic Games look to be an exciting and inspirational exhibition of will and skill. There is plenty for everyone to appreciate regardless of your level of familiarity with the Paralympics or lifetime of support. So grab some munchies, curl up, and get ready to support these amazing athletes as they head for gold in Paris!