Like the first edition organized last year on Place de la Bastille, the 2023 edition of Paralympic Day was an opportunity to promote para-sports, between initiations, demonstrations and signings of para-athletes and athletes, less than a year before the Paralympic Games are held in France.
Paralympic Day in Paris, Sunday October 8, 2023 (Credits – Paris 2024 / Boby)
As if to mark the desire of the French authorities to best ensure the future organization of the Summer Paralympic Games for the first time in France (August 28 to September 8, 2024), several major institutional players took part in the celebration of Paralympic Day, this Sunday, October 8, on Place de la République, in the 11th arrondissement of the capital.
Thus, in addition to the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, and some of her deputies, the festivities also received a visit from the Minister of Sports and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, the Minister of Solidarity and Families, Aurore Bergé, the Minister Delegate in charge of People with Disabilities, Fadila Khattabi, but especially the President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron.
The latter notably tried out some of the para-sports offered on siteincluding wheelchair basketball.
In June 2017, the Head of State – then newly elected – had already wet his shirt during the Olympic Days orchestrated at the time on and around the Pont Alexandre III, in the heart of Paris.
If at that time, his presence was intended to support the French candidacy engaged in the home stretch of a race officially started two years previously, his arrival, this Sunday, should make it possible to show the unwavering support enjoyed by the Committee of Organization of the Games (COJO) less than a year before the global event.
The President of the International Paralympic Committee, Andrew Parsons, and the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, on the occasion of Paralympic Day in Paris, Sunday October 8, 2023 (Credits – Presidency of the Republic)
The Minister of Sports and the Olympic and Paralympic Games also recalled the government’s commitment to the Games, and even more to the Paralympic component.
As she particularly pointed out:
The government continues its proactive commitment to the development and visibility of para-sports, and supports Paralympic athletes more strongly than ever with a three-fold increase in the resources allocated to them since 2019.
We are strengthening access to sports for people with disabilities, with the training and certification of 3,000 new inclusive clubs throughout France between now and the Games. Finally, all means are implemented to maximize accessibility in all dimensions of welcoming spectators, from public transport to hotels-cafes-restaurants including the establishment of a fleet of 1,000 taxis. accessible, with massive and unprecedented financial aid.
This day in the presence of the President of the Republic made it possible to reaffirm all of these commitments, to live up to the exceptional and spectacular exploits of our para-athletes and the challenge of building a more inclusive society.
The day kept its promise of a great popular celebration around the values of diversity and sharing, a magnificent launching pad for Paralympic ticketing.
I would like to warmly thank the public who came in large numbers, the athletes present, as well as the organizers and presenters of this very beautiful event..
Other personalities linked to the event also made the trip to Place de la République, including the President of Paris 2024, Tony Estanguet, as well as the President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Andrew Parsons.
Already present last year, the leader Paralympic athlete – also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) – did not fail to praise the performance, the fruit of the joint work of the OCOG, State services, the City of Paris, and the teams of the Paralympic Committee and French sportsman (CPSF).
As Andrew Parsons stated:
The second Paralympic Day was truly spectacular and gave me even more excitement for next summer’s Paralympic Games. The mix of sporting performances, entertainment, partner activations and announcements regarding the French team was very interesting.
The presence of President Macron, several Ministers, Mayor Anne Hidalgo, and representatives of the City underlines everyone’s commitment to making Paris 2024 the most spectacular Paralympic Games to date.
Seeing so many people in attendance gave me confidence that interest in purchasing Paralympic Games tickets will be very high when they go on sale. We are on our way to a truly exceptional Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Paralympic Day in Paris, Sunday October 8, 2023 (Credits – Paris 2024 / Martin Colombet)
In fact, while the Paralympic Games ticket office opens its doors this Monday October 9, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. on the dedicated platformthe OCOG was able to be satisfied with the massive arrival of tens of thousands of visitors – young and old.
It must be said that no less than 23 para-sports have temporarily taken place around the statue of the Republic, including 16 para-sports included in the Summer Games program and which yesterday’s visitors will be able to find next year in as spectators in the stadiums and arenas mobilized for the occasion.
These same visitors were also able to interact with a number of para-athletes and athletes, while enjoying activities operated by partners of the 2024 Games.
After this full-scale celebration phase, Paris 2024 will try to transform the trial through the sale of nearly 2.8 million tickets, an unprecedented level for a disabled sports event organized in France.
Nearly half of the tickets will be available to the general public at 25 euros or less, including 500,000 tickets at an entry price of 15 euros for all para-sports on the Games program. Overall, 80% of the tickets for sale will be offered at 50 euros or less.
A resolutely accessible ticket office, with a system of individual sales and in real time, in other words, without the slightest phase of drawing lots as was the case for the Olympic section earlier this year.
