The Paralympic concept
Right from the bid stage, Paris 2024 had a clear ambition for the Paralympic Games — to organise spectacular and revolutionary Games with performances from the best international Paralympic athletes against extraordinary scenery. By placing the Paralympic Games in the city centre at iconic sites such as the Eiffel Tower or the Grand Palais, and at world‑class sports venues such as Roland‑Garros or Stade de France, it will be a breath‑taking event that follows a unique concept.
Since winning the bid for host city in 2017, the Paris 2024 team has worked continuously to enhance its concept for the Paralympic Games. All of the venues chosen meet the aim of creating an unparalleled experience for both athletes and spectators.
- Improving the athlete experience by holding events in the centre of Paris or near the Olympic and Paralympic Village, reducing their travelling time and thus boosting their performance. As a result, 90% of the athletes will be stay in accommodation less than 30 minutes from their competition venue.
- Using venues for Olympic and Paralympic events to reduce costs and carbon emissions.
- Maximising the opportunities for spectators to attend multiple events in one day by holding them in a compact zone, particularly in the centre of Paris.
A unique experience
The 4,350 athletes taking part in the 22 Paralympic Sports at the Games will compete at world‑class sports venues such as Roland-Garros, the Stade de France and the Velodrome National in Saint‑Quentin-en-Yvelines, as well as temporary venues set up at iconic locations like the Château de Versailles and benchmark sites for hosting major international events — Paris Arenas I and II and the Water Sports Centre in Vaires-sur-Marne, for example.
Events in eight sports (marathon, triathlon, road cycling, wheelchair fencing, judo, archery, football 5‑a‑side and table tennis) will take place in the heart of Paris within a compact area, creating exceptional conditions for athletes and spectators alike.
The Paralympic Concept for the Paris 2024 Games has been submitted for the approval of the Paris 2024 Executive Board, which met on 12 december 2019.
Venues that are accessible to everyone
All venues will be accessible via public transport in the form of buses, metro and RER lines, trams and light vehicles such as vans and minibuses. At least one of these means of transport will be accessible to people with disabilities.
“The last mile” will be a particular focus, with accessible routes, efficient universal signage, specific means of transport and other solutions all put in place. Adapting sports venues will improve their quality for everyone; for example, positioning wheelchair users appropriately will improve visibility, and using audio description will give greater clarity.
Changing public attitudes towards disabilities through the Paralympic Games
Celebrating exceptional sporting performance is an opportunity to change public attitudes towards disabilities and bring about the transformation that our society needs in order to be more inclusive.
London 2012 proved that it was possible. After the London Paralympic Games, 81% of people in the UK judged that the event had improved public perception of people with disabilities. Moreover, a record audience of 11.2 million people tuned in to the Paralympic opening ceremony when it was shown on British television network Channel 4, the main broadcaster of the Paralympic events.
Thu Kamkasomphou remembers, “The Paralympic Games in London in 2012 was the first time when I did not feel like I was disabled at all. Everything was very accessible. For the first time, I saw big billboards in the street showing athletes with disabilities. We had never seen that before, it was amazing!”