Paris — The 2024 Paris Paralympics commenced today with an unprecedented outdoor Opening Ceremony, marking the first time in Paralympic history that the event has been held outside of a traditional stadium setting.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Opening Ceremony began at 2 p.m., featuring athletes parading down the iconic Avenue des Champs-Élysées before entering the Place de la Concorde, one of the largest squares in Paris. This marks a significant departure from previous ceremonies, aiming to integrate the event more fully with the city’s public spaces. Throughout the Paralympic Games, 549 medals will be awarded across 22 sports, with 168 delegations participating. Notably, Azerbaijan is represented by 19 athletes competing in 7 different sports, highlighting the global diversity and competitive spirit of the games.