Paris 2024 Paralympics Guide: Complete Overview

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With just six months left until the Paris 2024 Paralympics, we've compiled a comprehensive guide covering all the essential information you need to know about the Games.

In 2024, Paris will make history by hosting its first Paralympic Games, promising an extraordinary display of sportsmanship.

With 4,400 athletes hailing from various corners of the globe, the Games will feature 22 sports, accompanied by the enthusiastic cheers of spectators. This comes after the Tokyo Games in 2021 were held without live audiences.

Beyond showcasing their athletic prowess, competitors will also strive to inspire societal transformation, championing a shift in attitudes and advocating for social change both within France and on a global scale.

When are the Paralympics?

The Paralympic Games kick off on Wednesday, August 28th, with a unique twist: the opening ceremony will break tradition by taking place outdoors, amidst some of Paris's most iconic landmarks.

Athletes will proudly parade along a route stretching from the Champs-Elysees to the Place de la Concorde, showcasing the spirit of inclusivity that defines these Games.

Spectators can line the streets to catch a glimpse of the procession before the official ceremonies commence at the Place de la Concorde, exclusively for ticket-holders.

On the opening day of competition, Thursday, August 29th, an exciting total of 23 gold medals will be up for grabs.

The grand finale of the Games falls on Sunday, September 8th, featuring not only the closing ceremony but also thrilling medal events in wheelchair basketball, powerlifting, Para-canoeing, and the Para-marathon in athletics.

Which venues are being used for the Paralympics?

Several venues used for the Olympics will also host Paralympic events, offering a diverse range of sporting experiences.

At Roland Garros, wheelchair tennis will take center stage, while the stunning gardens of Chateau de Versailles will set the backdrop for Para-equestrian events. Meanwhile, the renowned Stade de France will be buzzing with excitement as it hosts the Para-athletics program.

The iconic Grand Palais will undergo a transformation, becoming the battleground for wheelchair fencing and Para-taekwondo. For blind football, a specially constructed stadium will rise at the base of the iconic Eiffel Tower.

And for Para-triathletes, the heart of Paris will serve as their arena, with the swim leg set to unfold in the majestic waters of the River Seine.

What are the new sports at the Paris Paralympics?

Unlike the last two Games, where we saw exciting debuts like Para-triathlon and Para-canoe in Rio, followed by Para-taekwondo and Para-badminton in Tokyo, Paris isn't introducing any new sports to the lineup this time around.

But don't fret! There's still plenty to look forward to. The badminton and taekwondo programs have been expanded, offering even more action for fans. Plus, there's a historic increase in the number of medal events for women, adding extra excitement to the competition.

How many gold medals will be won at the Paris Games?

A whopping total of 549 gold medals will be on the line, spanning an impressive array of 22 different sports.

Who is competing for ParalympicsGB and how many medals could they win?

ParalympicsGB is set to compete in 19 sports in Paris, unfortunately missing out on blind football, goalball, and sitting volleyball qualifications.

While the official team lineup is yet to be announced, it's anticipated to include around 220 talented athletes.

At the Tokyo Games, Great Britain showcased their prowess, clinching an impressive second place in the medal standings with a total of 124 medals, including an impressive haul of 41 golds.