Paris 2024: The IPC President’s Opening Ceremony Speech

International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons calls for freedom, inclusion and equality in his speech at the Paris 2024 Paralympics Opening Ceremony. Read his speech in full below.

President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron;

Paralympic Athletes;

Mayor Anne Hidalgo; 

President of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee Tony Estanguet;

Peuple de France;

Sport fans all over the world, 

Welcome to the most transformational sport event on Earth! The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. 

We are here in the world’s most beautiful city at one of the most critical times in our recent history. 

At a time of growing global conflict, increasing hate, and rising exclusion, let sport be the social glue that brings us together. 

Here at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, we will celebrate what makes us different, show there is strength in difference, beauty in difference, and that difference serves as a powerful force for good. 

Pour le peuple de France, je veux que ces Jeux soient les vôtres.  

Eleven days of sensational sport to enjoy together, as families, with friends, with loved ones. 

A once in a lifetime opportunity to champion your country’s rich diversity, applaud awe-inspiring athletes, and celebrate the very best of Paris, France, and humanity. 

As we prepare for Games Wide Open, let us open our minds wide. 

For what you will witness from Paralympic athletes are abilities and skills that surprise you, levels of resilience and determination that energise you, and camaraderie that will inspire you. 

Paralympic athletes are not here to participate. 

They’re not playing games. 

They are here to compete, win, and smash world records. 

Paralympians are also here to achieve something far greater than personal glory. 

They want equality and inclusion for themselves and for the world’s 1.3 billion persons with disabilities. 

Through their performances Paralympic athletes will challenge stigma, alter attitudes, and redefine the limits of what you think is possible. 

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will show what persons with disabilities can achieve at the highest level when the barriers to succeed are removed. 

The fact these opportunities largely exist only in sport in the year 2024 is shocking. It is proof we can and must do more to advance disability inclusion – whether on the field of play, in the classroom, concert hall or in the boardroom. 

That is why 225 years on from when Place de la Concorde was central to the French Revolution, I hope Paris 2024 starts a Paralympic revolution, the inclusion revolution. 

Tonight, the values that define French society carry stronger meaning than ever. 

Liberté! 

The right to live freely and without oppression. 

Egalité! 

Every person with a disability deserves the opportunity to thrive and live life free from barriers, free from discrimination and free from marginalisation. 

Fraternite! 

We are one, but we are not the same. We are all from the same family, humanity. 

Liberte, égalité, fraternite! 

A rallying cry that needs to be heard not just here in France, but around the world. 

Paralympians, these are the moments you live for; this is your stage to shine. 

Representing 168 delegations, the biggest number ever, you arrive here with remarkable stories of perseverance. At these Games, I look forward to witnessing incredible sport and reading stories about your outstanding abilities and performances. 

As you compete in the most iconic sport venues ever seen, show to the world that Paralympic athletes should be acknowledged, celebrated, and rewarded, but above all respected. 

Through the power of sport, let us show world leaders that unity is possible, that we can come together as rivals in peace, play by the rules, and positively impact society. 

Marchons! Marchons ! 

Vive La France! Vive la Révolution de l’inclusion! 

Merci beaucoup! Thank you very much! Muito obrigado! 

It is now my honour to invite the President of the French Republic, Mr. Emmanuel Macron to declare open the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. 

This is #Paris2024. This is the #Paralympics.

• Numeris Média is officially accredited media to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games