The 2024 Paris Paralympics are just around the corner, and excitement is building as the world prepares to celebrate the incredible achievements of para-athletes from across the globe.
Here’s everything you need to know to catch the opening ceremony live from South Africa.
Story Summary:
- The 2024 Paris Paralympics opening ceremony will be a grand spectacle featuring a festival-like atmosphere at Place de la Concorde in Paris.
- Team South Africa is sending a strong contingent, including top athletes like Philippa Johnson-Dwyer and Kerwin Noemdo.
- South African viewers can watch the opening ceremony live on various platforms, including SABC and SuperSport.
2024 Paris Paralympics opening ceremony – Here’s what to expect
The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Paralympics is set to be an unforgettable experience.
Following the stunning success of the Olympic Games ceremony, Paris is poised to deliver yet another spectacular show.
Directed by Thomas Jolly, in collaboration with Alexander Ekman, the ceremony will transform the historic Place de la Concorde and the lower Champs Élysées into a vibrant celebration of sport and inclusivity.
The ceremony will be a festival-like event, with around 50,000 spectators expected to attend.
Of these, 15,000 lucky individuals will gain free entry on a first-come, first-served basis, while the remaining 35,000 will be ticket holders.
Expect a visually stunning display with performances that celebrate the diversity and resilience of Paralympic athletes.
What you must know about Team South Africa
Team South Africa is entering the 2024 Paris Paralympics with a robust team of athletes, ready to compete across multiple sports, including athletics, cycling, swimming, and wheelchair tennis.
This year’s contingent features seasoned Paralympians and promising newcomers, all aiming to bring home medals.
One of the standout athletes is Philippa Johnson-Dwyer, a decorated Paralympian competing in equestrian events.
Johnson-Dwyer has a history of success, having earned multiple medals in previous games.
In athletics, Kerwin Noemdo is a name to watch as he competes in the F46 shot put, a category in which he has shown great potential.
The swimming events will see Christian Sadie and Kat Swanepoel representing South Africa.
Both swimmers have consistently performed well on the international stage, and expectations are high for their performances in Paris.
South African Paralympians who secure medals will be rewarded with substantial financial incentives.
Gold medalists will receive R400,000, with their coaches earning R100,000.
Silver medalists will be awarded R200,000, while bronze medalists will take home R75,000.
How to watch 2024 Paris Paralympics live in South Africa
South African viewers can tune in to the 2024 Paris Paralympics opening ceremony through various channels and online platforms.
The ceremony will be broadcast live on SABC and SuperSport, ensuring that fans across the country can enjoy the spectacle as it unfolds in Paris.
For those who prefer to stream the event online, the ceremony will also be available to watch below.
Expect the stream to start at 21:00 SAST.
