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Curtain is drawn on Paris Paralympics, ending French capital's Olympic summer
The Paris 2024 Games came to a close just like they started, in the rain, but amid a festive atmosphere with an electro-party at the Stade de France on Sunday to conclude the Paralympics – and put an end to six weeks of thrilling sport in the French capital.
A summer sporting bonanza that started under pouring rain on July 26 with a remarkable opening ceremony on the Seine River ended Sunday with the Paralympics closing ceremony at a rain-soaked Stade de France.
It lowered the curtain on successful back-to-back events that captivated fans and raised the bar high for others to follow. Good luck Los Angeles in 2028.
As the stadium was lit up in the blue, white and red colors of the French national flag, a trumpet player played the national anthem “La Marseillaise” and Paralympic flagbearers then made their way into the stadium carrying national flags to the sound of “Chariots of Fire” by Vangelis.
“Everyone can see what an inclusive world is like,” Tony Estanguet, the head of the Paris Olympics in 2024, said in his closing speech. “Now there is no turning back.”
The International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons said France excelled itself as a host in both Games.
“Paris 2024 has set a benchmark for all future Paralympic Games,” Parsons said. “For a country famous for its fashion and its food, France is now famous for its fans.”
The crowd clapped along to a breakdancing set, before Tony Award winner Ali Stroker performed the American national anthem as a part of the handoff to Los Angeles.
The 76-year-old Jarre span tunes as in a Parisian nightclub, oblivious to the rain lashing down on him.
(AP)
Read more on FRANCE 24 English
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