The Paralympic Games are set to open in Paris, with 4,400 athletes competing for 549 medals across 22 sports. The French capital, which recently hosted the Olympics, will once again showcase the talents of athletes with disabilities, permanent injuries, or impairments. From historical sites like Place de la Concorde to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris is ready to welcome the world for another spectacular event.
What to Expect at the Paralympic Games 2022
The Paralympic Games in Paris will feature a total of 22 sports, with only two events that do not have an Olympic equivalent – goalball and boccia. Goalball is a unique sport where visually impaired or blind players roll a ball containing bells towards the opposing goal, while the defending team acts as goalkeepers. Boccia, on the other hand, involves players throwing or rolling leather balls as close as they can to a small ball called a jack.
Compared to the previous edition of the Paralympics in Tokyo, 10 new medal events have been added to provide more opportunities for female athletes and those with high-support needs. This expansion demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and diversity in sports, allowing more athletes to showcase their talents on the world stage.
Key Venues and Events
Historic sites such as Château de Versailles and Invalides will host para equestrian events and para archery, respectively. The Grand Palais will transition from fencing to wheelchair fencing, showcasing the adaptability and skill of Paralympic athletes. Additionally, the venue beside the Eiffel Tower, which hosted beach volleyball during the Olympics, will now host blind soccer, a thrilling adaptation of the game for visually impaired players.
The Paralympic flame was lit in Stoke Mandeville, considered the birthplace of the Paralympic Games, and will travel across France before lighting the cauldron during the opening ceremony. This symbolic gesture highlights the unity and spirit of the Paralympic movement, bringing together athletes from around the world to compete in the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
Notable Athletes and Storylines
Several athletes will be looking to defend their titles at the Paralympic Games in Paris. Para shooter Avani Lekhara, the first Indian woman to win two medals at a single edition of the Paralympics, will aim to defend her 10-meter air rifle gold in the SH1 category. American multi-sport specialist Oksana Masters will seek to add to her impressive career total of seven gold and 17 medals across summer and winter events.
Other notable athletes include para powerlifter Sherif Osman of Egypt, going for his fourth gold medal, and Italian fencer Bebe Vio vying for her third consecutive gold in wheelchair fencing. The competition promises to be fierce, with athletes from various backgrounds and abilities showcasing their talents on the global stage.
Visually impaired Italian sprinter Valentina Petrillo will make history as the first transgender woman to compete at the Paralympics, adding to the diversity and inclusivity of the event. American swimmer Ali Truwit will compete a year after losing her lower leg in a shark attack, demonstrating resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Teenage swimmer David Kratochvil from the Czech Republic will carry his country’s hopes for a medal, showcasing his skills in the pool after losing his sight due to a serious illness. These inspiring stories highlight the perseverance and dedication of Paralympic athletes, overcoming challenges to achieve their dreams on the world stage.
With anticipation building and excitement in the air, the Paralympic Games in Paris are set to be a celebration of diversity, athleticism, and determination. From the opening ceremony at Place de la Concorde to the final events at the Eiffel Tower, athletes from around the world will come together to compete, inspire, and make history in the City of Light.