See the best photos from the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paralympics in Paris

The ceremony begins with a dance show on the Place de la Concorde

The show began with a performance by Lucky Love, a French singer who lost his left arm at birth, as well as performers in wheelchairs.

This was followed by the parade of Paralympians who will compete in the city for 11 days. According to the Associated Press, these games are expected to have the second highest attendance of any Paralympics after London in 2012.

Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee, said in a statement to AP: “We are in the heart of the city,” adding: “The symbolism behind it is as if the city of Paris is giving our athletes a huge hug.”

Nicky Nieves and Steve Sario carry the flag of Team USA

Wheelchair basketball athlete Steve Serio and sitting volleyball star Nicky Nieves led the U.S. team’s charge, carrying the American flag down the Champs-Elysees to the Place de la Concorde, where Olympic events such as skateboarding, 3×3 basketball and breaking were held.

Wheelchair basketball medalist Jitske Visser told Olympics.com: “What an incredible moment for our athletes who will take part in a historic opening ceremony on the most famous street in the world, surrounded by all the charm of Paris.”

Dancing is the focus

Speaking to Olympics.com ahead of the event, Opening Ceremony Artistic Director Thomas Jolly said the event would “put Paralympic athletes and the values ​​they embody at the centre.”

Christine and the Queens opens the celebrations

Christine and the Queens played a rocking set to kick off the Games, and Paralympians joined in the fun at the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Paralympic Summer Games in Paris

Phyrges sighting!

The adorable mascots of the Paralympics and Olympic Games – the Phryges – performed in front of the Obelisque de Louxor to get the thousands of fans in attendance in the mood for a fantastic eleven days of Games.

IPC President Parsons told AP that of the 2.5 million tickets for the Paralympic events, two million had been sold.

Breathtaking views at the Louvre

The city of Paris has raised the bar as host of the Olympic Games this year,

The smoke trail in the colors of the French national flag fired by the French Air Force’s elite aerobatic team “Patrouille de France” is seen over the Louvre Pyramid during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Team Nigeria has arrived

Team Nigeria was led by flag bearer Lauritta Onye, who held the team’s national flag as she marched through the streets of Paris.

The Paralympic athletes enjoyed much better weather during their outdoor ceremony than at the Olympic opening ceremony on August 11, when heavy rain began to pour down as the athletes rode boats down the Seine.