Often, when we talk about the future Games in Paris in 2024, two comments come up from those interviewed: “the tickets are too expensive” and “I would like to discover the Paralympics”. If nothing will change regarding the former, on the other hand, there is no need to wait another eleven months to become familiar with parasport. From this Sunday, all you have to do is take advantage of the beautiful sun and the 26-27 degrees forecast in the capital to go to Place de la République to introduce yourself to a large majority of them. What the President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, will do, present at lunchtime…
From para judo to sitting volleyball, blind football or boccia, the public present will be able to learn about these different disciplines in the presence of numerous champions such as Arnaud Assoumani (Para athletics), Timothée Adolphe (Para athletics), Julien Avom Mbume (Para weightlifting), Nélia Barbosa (Para canoeing), Marie Bochet (Para alpine skiing), Perle Bouge (Para rowing), Lucas Créange (Para table tennis), Ugo Didier (Para swimming), Manon Genest (Para athletics), Alexis Hanquinquant (Para triathlon), Dimitri Jozwicki (Para athletics), Nantenin Keita (Para athletics), Sandrine Martinet (Para judo), Lucas Mazur (Para badminton), Cédric Nankin (Armchair rugby), Faustine Noël ( Para badminton), Alexandra Nouchet (Para athletics), Marie Patouillet (Para cycling), Erika Sauzeau (Para rowing), Riadh Tarsim (Para cycling), Chiara Zenati (Para dressage)…
To this long list, which is not exhaustive, will be added those of two Olympic athletes: the former Olympic 100m swimming champion Alain Bernard and the one who will aim for a podium in the 110m hurdles next summer at the Stade de France Sasha Zhoya. Without forgetting a certain Michaël Jeremiasz, the former wheelchair tennis champion appointed chef de mission of the French Paralympic delegation for the Paris 2024 Games, or the guest of honor for this 2nd edition of the Paralympic day, Matt Stutzman, silver medalist in para archery at the London 2012 Games, known around the world for practicing using his legs and feet, who will take the stage to tell his story and share his ambitions for Paris 2024.
Another highlight of a day which will begin at around 11 a.m. and end around 7 p.m., a unique high jump competition will see the Indian Nishad Kumar (silver medalist in Tokyo in 2021) and the Pole compete against each other. Lukasz Mamczarz (bronze medal in London in 2012). Paris 2024 partners will also hold different stands, with initiations, meetings and signing sessions. All this, on the eve of the opening of the ticket office for the Paralympic Games which will allow those disappointed with the Olympic Games to obtain a precious ticket, at a lower price. Unless luck smiled on them this Sunday since tickets will be up for grabs all day long.