By Ezekiel David
The Paralympic Games, a global showcase of athletic excellence and human resilience, are set to captivate the world once again in Paris this summer. From August 28th to September 8th, 2024, over 4,400 athletes from a record 168 delegations will compete across 22 sports, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and inspiring millions.
Here are 9 facts to get you ready for this incredible celebration of sport:
1. Parisian Premiere
This is the first time Paris will host the Summer Paralympics, marking a historic moment for France and the Paralympic movement.
2. Record Participation
Paris 2024 will welcome the largest number of athletes and participating nations in Paralympic history, showcasing the growing global reach of Para sport.
3. Seine-sational Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony will break tradition by unfolding along the iconic Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde, offering a free spectacle for the public.
4. Iconic Venues
Paralympic events will take place at renowned locations like the Stade de France, Roland Garros, and even the Château de Versailles, providing a stunning backdrop for athletic achievement.
5. No New Sports, But More Medals
While no new sports are debuting this year, the Para-badminton and Para-taekwondo programs have expanded, offering more opportunities for athletes to shine.
6. Team Nigeria at the Games
Nigerian Paralympians at the games be competing in Table Tennis, with Kehinde Lawal, Ifechukwude Ikpeoyi and Faith Bazuaye in the women’s squad. Six male athletes Isau Ogunkunle, Kayode Alabi, Abiola Adesope, Bolawa Akingbemisilu, Victor Farinloye, and four-time Paralympian Olufemi Alabi will also be competing.
7. Neutral Athletes, Powerful Performances
Athletes from Russia and Belarus will compete under a neutral flag, following strict guidelines, ensuring the focus remains on sporting excellence.
8. SuperSport will have all of the Olympic action
Five Paralympic-themed channels will be available on SuperSport on DStv, spanning both linear and over-the-top platforms. From the three available for the Tokyo 2020 Games, this is an improvement. A dedicated Paralympic channel, Channel 217 (237 in the rest of Africa), will have 24-hour programming accessible.
9. Rooted in Rehabilitation
The Paralympic movement traces its origins back to the rehabilitation efforts of Sir Ludwig Guttmann, who used sport to aid injured World War II veterans at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in England.