Stade de France transformed into huge electronica dance party with world’s elite para athletes doing farewell conga
had turned crowds hoarse from so much cheering and forever changed the nation’s attitude to sport and disability, and now Parisians were desperately sad to say goodbye to it all.
The “French Touch” extravaganza culminated in the star DJ Martin Solveig playing Daft Punk’s One More Time amid a stage full of dancing para athletes, giant mascots bobbing in sequin skirts and a volley of hundreds of fireworks.Earlier, the French Republican Guard military band had blasted out Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive as para athletes paraded with their countries’ flags.
With more competing countries than ever before, a record 169 delegations, more women and more global coverage, Paris 2024 had set a new benchmark for the Paralympic Games, said Parsons. He thanked French crowds for their huge turnout and roof-raising support. “For a country famous for its fashion and food, France is now famous for its fans,” he said, to raucous screams from more than 60,000 spectators at the Stade de France.
Ali Stroker, the first actor who used a wheelchair to appear on a Broadway stage, sang the US national anthem as Paris handed over to Los Angeles 2028.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Paris Paralympics: Valentina Petrillo set to become first transgender athlete at GamesValentina Petrillo is set to become the first openly transgender athlete to participate in the Paralympic Games following the visually impaired sprinter's selection to represent Italy in the women's 200-metre and 400m races in Paris.
Read more »
Paris Paralympics: Spanish athlete with albinism fled Mali, now chases Games goldAfter fleeing her homeland out of fear for her safety, Adiaratou Iglesias is running for more medals as a proud Spaniard.
Read more »
Paris Paralympics: 10 Australian stars to watch at the 2024 GamesPara-swimming hero Alexa Leary, vision-impaired runner Jaryd Clifford, and wheelchair track legend Madison de Rozario will lead Australia’s charge
Read more »
Paris Paralympics 2024: everything you should know about the GamesThe French capital hosts 11 days of elite competition that will produce new stars at a range of landmark venues
Read more »
Beau Vernon eyes Paris Paralympics medal as he makes Games debutAs Beau Vernon recovered from a broken neck, nurses told him he would never be able to get dressed without assistance. Now, he is preparing for his Paralympic debut.
Read more »
Paris Games 2: Paralympics will continue to change social attitudesThe next leg of Olympic competition starts in Paris and offers a winning double: social inspiration and patriotism.
Read more »