Paris 2024 Paralympic Games finish with sound and light spectacular

The 17th Paralympic Games ended on Sunday night with a spectacular son-et-lumière flourish in front of thousands of Paralympians as well as 65,000 spectators at a rain-soaked Stade de France in Saint Denis.

Tony Estanguet, head of the Games' organising committee, paid tribute to the athletes from nearly 200 countries who had competed in 22 sports over 11 days.

"This summer France had a rendez-vous with history," said Estanguet, a former Olympic canoeing champion.

"And it was there,” he added.

“We rediscovered our heritage, our creativity, our ability to achieve great things. We rediscovered our joie de vivre, our impertinence.

“These Games have been a meeting of our country with itself. The France that smiles, that loves itself, that we are proud of, the France of all records: medal records, spectator records, audience records, atmosphere records."

Inclusion revolution

Andrew Parsons, head of the International Paralympic Comittee (IPC), which oversees the Paralympic Games added: "For a country famous for its fashion and gastronomy, France is now famous for its supporters.

"People of France, your passion and support have been incredible and magnificent. With spirit and pride, you have made the last 12 days joyous and unforgettable.

"You celebrated the start of the inclusion revolution with a Paralympic party in Paris."

Following a breakdancing routine involving eight dancers – four of them with disabilities – the Paralympic flag was lowered and handed over by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo to Karen Bass, her counterpart in Los Angeles.

Of the inclement weather, Jolly added wryly: "The rain clearly wanted to be part of the action.

Read more on RFI English

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