Greece has heralded its arrival at the Paris 2024 Paralympics with a spectacular entrance that exuded a touch of "Emily in Paris" charm. The opening ceremony, currently underway in Paris, marks the first occasion the French capital hosts the Paralympic Games, promising an unforgettable spectacle.
Breaking new ground, the ceremony is taking place outside a traditional stadium setting, much like the recent Olympic Games, and is being staged in the iconic Champs-Elysées and Place de la Concorde. Among 184 international delegations, Greece stands out with its team of 37 athletes, all aspiring to make their mark in Paris.
Inclusive Ceremony with a Unique Twist
Starting at 8 p.m. local time, the ceremony, themed "Paradox," explores the contradictions within a society striving for inclusivity while grappling with biases against individuals with disabilities. Thomas Joli, the artistic visionary behind the event, aims to dismantle stereotypical portrayals of people with disabilities through a three-hour show that emphasizes their humanity.
The artistic endeavor features an impressive ensemble led by Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman, including 140 dancers with 16 having disabilities. Composer Victor Le Masne crafted a diverse musical score, blending percussion and keyboards.
Furthermore, costume design challenges from the popular "Emily in Paris" series were met by French designer Louis-Gabriel Nouchi (LGN), whose adaptive costumes cater creatively to performers’ needs.
Greece's Paralympic Contenders
Greece's delegation comprises 37 athletes competing in ten sports disciplines. Leading the Greek team as flag bearers are renowned Paralympians Manolis Stefanoudakis and Theodora Paschalidou. Greece aims to extend its storied Paralympic legacy, having secured eleven medals at the last Tokyo Games in 2020, held in 2021.
Introducing Greece's Flag Bearers: Manolis Stefanoudakis and Theodora Paschalidou
Manolis Stefanoudakis, a celebrated Paralympic javelin thrower, is no stranger to success and is representing Greece for the fourth time following appearances in Tokyo, Rio, and London. Stefanoudakis has expressed immense pride in carrying the Greek flag.
Meanwhile, Theodora Paschalidou, a judo champion, shares the honor of bearing the flag. Having won the prestigious award for "top athlete with a disability" in 2023, Paschalidou's contributions to Greek athletics are significant.