From different countries, they journeyed along the Champs-Élysées, ultimately appearing in the expansive Place de la Concorde, which for the evening morphed into an open-air theatre bathed in sunlight as it took on the role of the capital’s biggest square. In comparison to previous opening ceremonies, it’s safe to state that the surroundings were far from shabby.
This Paralympic Games marked a historic moment as the inaugural opening ceremony deviated from the conventional stadium venue. The official mascot adorned a speeding car, the French flag colours were sprayed across the sky by the Patrouille De France flyover and an abundance of pianos accompanied 500 performers and artists, not forgetting the customary firework display.
Accompanied by 5,100 athletes participating in the parade, the event was referred to as ‘Paradox – From Discord to Concord’ by the organisers in the comprehensive media guide they supplied. Quite a play on words, don’t you think? However, for some attendees, the discord lay within the logistical struggle, with lines stretching across Pont de la Concorde as the ceremony commenced at 20:00.
Evidently, it won’t be long before an ambitious Irish politician suggests the idea of Ireland being a potential Paralympics host. To be fair, we might be able to provide the queues. Moreover, we could most likely assure the unrelenting rainfall that was present during the Olympic Games opening ceremony a few weeks prior. Nevertheless, in contrast, Wednesday evening in Paris required short sleeves and sunscreen – the Paralympics already seems to be one-upping its more famous equivalent.
In the heart of France, Paris was enveloped in temperatures that hovered around the lower thirties on Wednesday. The soaring heat that would have inevitably had Irish skin blushing in sunburnt shades, at the mere contemplation of the sweat-inducing atmosphere. Yet, the hot weather couldn’t deter the robust flood of Irish support that marked the ceremony.
The Irish delegates took up the 71st position in the assembly, bordered by Iraq and Iceland. Orla Comerford from Dublin and Colin Judge were the selected flag-bearers. Comerford, hailing from Raheny Shamrock, as a runner, alongside UCD’s table tennis ace, Judge, led the charge of the Irish troupe into the arena a little past 9pm.
Ireland boasts a pristine record of participation in every one of the 16 past Paralympic Games commencing with the pioneering event in 1960. The Irish participants have bedecked the record books with an impressive 233 medals, comprising an assortment of 70 gold, 68 silver, and 95 bronze.
Expectations abound that the 35-strong Team Ireland will inscribe new names onto the illustrious roll-call of national medal winners in the forthcoming days.
As nations made their entrance onto the spectacular stage of the open-air theatre at the Place de la Concorde, each was warmly recognised. They each added their distinctive hues to the diverse palette of the event. Brazilian representatives jubilantly bounced to their seats, Canadians initiated a wave (a cheeky dig at Mexico perhaps), while the South Africans showcased their dancing skills.
As the procession drew to a close, darkness had blanketed the Parisian sky; the majestic Luxor Obelisk at the centre of the stadium glittered in light, while the Eiffel Tower shimmered in the background. The glowing champions of Paralympic sport from all regions of the world populated the front seats.
The night in Paris was characterised by lingering warmth, garnished with an inexorable touch of enchantment.