Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
Paris 2024
Paralympic Games
**Spectacular fireworks light up the Stade de France, marking the start of the Closing Ceremony** ⒸSean M. Haffey/Getty Images
By Harry De Cosemo | For the IPC
Good evening and welcome to the Stade de France for the IPC’s live coverage of the Paralympics Closing Ceremony. I’m Harry De Cosemo, and I’ll be guiding you through tonight’s festivities.
What an extraordinary Games Paris 2024 has been! We’ve witnessed a plethora of remarkable stories, broken records, and medal-winning performances. The event concluded on Sunday with thrilling competitions in the marathon, Para canoe, Para powerlifting, and wheelchair basketball.
Tonight, we celebrate the incredible past 10 days of action. So, sit back, relax, and join us for one final grand celebration! Paris is getting ready to pass the torch to LA 2028, where we’ll come together for another spectacular event in four years’ time.
**Singing in the Rain**
As we settle into the press tribune at Stade de France, rain is pouring down. The forecast suggests it might stick around, but let’s hope it clears up. In a way, the rain is a fitting metaphor for the end of summer and the Paralympics.
But I’m confident it won’t dampen the mood. The announcement over the speakers promises: “We’ll be singing in the rain as we party in Paris.”
**Selfie Time** 
Phryge, the official mascot of Paris 2024, has been busy taking selfies with athletes around the Stade de France stage. The stadium has been buzzing with energy for the past hour, with enthusiastic clapping, dancing, and chanting. Every seat is filled, and the resident DJ is keeping the crowd hyped.
**Here We Go!**
The stadium is darkening, enhancing its already impressive ambiance, and the event is in full swing. We’ve just witnessed a stunning performance featuring Santa and an incredible light show. Even I’ve got a flashy wristband, and the fireworks are spectacular. French President Emmanuel Macron is among the guests tonight.
**The French National Anthem** 
The trumpet rendition of the French national anthem is giving me goosebumps—what a performance! Next up, a band is playing “Les Champs-Élysées,” a song that’s become the soundtrack of the Games. The entire stadium is immersed in the music, and I’m not ashamed to admit I’m singing along: “Aux... Champs-Élysées!”
Following that, Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” is rocking the stage. Can the band keep going all night?
**Parade of the Flags**
The Parade of the Flags has begun, and the Stade de France is alive with excitement. No surprises here—the home country received the loudest cheer. It’s a perfect tribute to the 168 nations that competed in Paris.
**Time for the Speeches**
**Newly Elected Athletes' Council**
The four new members of the Athletes' Council have been introduced: Italian Martina Cironi (Para athletics), Malta’s Vladyslava Kravchenko (Para swimming), Portugal’s Lenine Cunha (Para athletics), and Denise Schindler (Para cycling). It’s an inspiring moment as they receive flowers on stage.
Following some impressive breakdancing, the Paralympic anthem was played with great respect. The Paralympic flag handover ceremony followed, and then the American national anthem.
**Next Stop: LA 2028**
The atmosphere here is incredible. The Olympic and Paralympic music has been outstanding throughout the Games. The wristbands are flashing again, and the fireworks are stunning, eliciting roars from the crowd. I’m loving the live shows!
**Full Party Mode!**
The party is in full swing inside the Stade de France. Athletes are dancing in the rain, celebrating their incredible achievements from the past weeks. The light shows are dazzling, and even the press tribune is bouncing!
DJ Busy P is keeping the energy high. Fun fact: he was Daft Punk’s manager for 12 years—who knew?
**Disco Phryge!**
Phryge is getting into the groove, dancing with the athletes. We’re well past formalities now!
**Thanks and Goodbye!**
And that’s a wrap. Thank you for joining me for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony. It’s been a blast, and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
Merci, Paris, for an unforgettable experience. See you in LA in 2028!
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