The 2024 Summer Paralympics are coming to a close, with athletes leaving behind a string of broken records as they compete for the 549 gold medals up for grabs. In the first four days of the event alone, nearly 40 records were broken across multiple sports.

After a parade from the emblematic Arc de Triomphe along the Avenue des Champs-Elysees, the ceremony took place on the Place de la Concorde, with spectacular performances by French singers Christine and the Queens and Luc Bruyère, known as Lucky Love.

The dancers showcased the beauty of Paralympic sports old and new, with a nod to breakdancing – which is part of the Paris Olympics but not the Paralympics. And the performances highlighted the paradox of a world that claims to be inclusive but is disadvantaged towards people with disabilities.

The Olympic cauldron has been lit again and will hover over the Tuileries Gardens until the end of the Games.

The athletes’ colorful, funny and quirky equipment was the focus of attention during the first days of the competition.

Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais and the Arc de Triomphe provide a breathtaking backdrop for the competition. The Summer Paralympics are taking place in the French capital for the first time.

Around 4,400 athletes compete in 22 sports and demonstrate their skills, efficiency, etc.

…and joy.

History was made when Afghan taekwondo athlete Zakia Khudadadi became the first to win a Paralympic medal for the refugee team. She practiced the sport in secret during her childhood and was banned from competition following the rise of the Taliban in 2021.

And again, when Brazilian swimmer Gabrielzinho (right) kept his promise and won three gold medals in a row at the Games, earning him the nickname “Rocketman” from his competitors.

The Paralympics will end on September 8th and Paris will hand over the hosting duties to Los Angeles. The next Summer Paralympics will begin on August 15th, 2028.