Almost 4,500 athletes and an even larger number of fans and spectators await the arrival of the Paralympic torch in the French capital.
Two days before the start of the competitions, the Paralympic Villa It is under strict protection, fenced on both sides and guarded by security forces. Video surveillance cameras and CRS (‘Republican security companies’) vigilan el Sena.
The athletes’ routes are also monitored. Athletes from all over the world feel at home in the Village, as long as they can show their credentials.
Security in the Paralympic Village
The French authorities have reorganized their forces, mobilizing 25,000 police officers and gendarmes, 10,000 private security guards y 8,000 soldiers of ‘Operation Sentinel’.
It is about almost half as many agents as in the Olympic Gamesin line with the number of athletes and venues. The main challenge remains opening ceremonyplanned in the heart of the capital, on the Champs-Elysées and the Place de la Concorde.
Nearly 4,500 athletes and an even larger number of fans and spectators await the arrival of the Paralympic torch for an unprecedented opening ceremony of the Games. The event will take place on Wednesday, August 28, at La Concorde.
The first spark at Stoke Mandeville
The Paralympic flame was lit at Stoke MandevilleEngland, historic cradle of Paralympic sport. He July 29, 1948day of the Opening Ceremony of the London Olympic Games of that same year, the German neurologist Sir Ludwig Guttmannorganized at Stoke Mandeville Hospital the first sports competition for World War II veterans with spinal cord injuries, in order to help their rehabilitation.
After lighting up at Stoke Mandeville, The flame crossed the sea through the Channel Tunnelmarking the start of a legendary relay race. Twenty-four British athletes symbolically undertook the journey through the tunnel and were joined, halfway between the United Kingdom and France, by 24 French athletes to deliver the flame and energy of the Games.
The 12 separate flames
Unlike the Olympic flame, in these Games there are several torches that travel through France. Thus, they can shine side by side, reflecting the unique characteristics of the Paralympic movement.
The flame began its journey towards the Hexagon, where it has been divided into twelve: the number of days of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games (from August 28 to September 8).
He program It is packed with 11 days of competitions, which promise spectacle in the 22 sports disciplines on the program.
