A River of Unity: Paris 2024 Parade of Nations
A spectacle of unity and celebration unfolded on the Seine River in Paris as the first-ever Parade of Nations on water commenced the 2024 Paralympic Games. The evening began with a dazzling performance by Lady Gaga, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
Clad in cabaret attire, Lady Gaga kicked off the festivities with a rendition of the iconic French revue song, "Mon truc en plume." Her electrifying performance energized the athletes, ready to embark on a journey along the Seine River.
The Parade of Nations flotilla departed from Pont d'Austerlitz, setting sail on a six-kilometer westward journey. The boats gracefully navigated beneath Parisian bridges, passing by iconic landmarks like the Esplanade des Invalides, Place de la Concorde, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Grand Palais. The journey culminated at the Trocadero, offering a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower.
The river's banks were lined with iconic landmarks that will host the athletes' competitions over the next 16 days. For some, these venues will be the stage for their greatest victories. But for this night, competition took a backseat to unity and celebration.
Athletes from diverse nations shared boats, creating a tapestry of cultures and camaraderie. Canada and the People's Republic of China painted the deck in a sea of red, while athletes from Mongolia, Montenegro, Mozambique, and Myanmar bridged continents to stand together on one vessel.
Even surfers joined the celebration from Tahiti via video link, dressed in traditional ceremony wear and holding wooden surfboards.
"Dear athletes, we canât wait to live it all with you. The joy, the tears, and the love you will put in each moment. Thank you for being here. You made it! Bravo! I know what it means. I know what it took. I know the path you have followed to be here. Paris will give back to you. Itâs the City of Love⦠and for the next 16 days, it is your city," said Tony Estanguet, triple Olympic champion and President of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee. "Welcome home. Welcome to Paris. Welcome to your moment in history. Live it. Love it and carry us with you! The world is on your side."
The Parade of Nations on the Seine served as a powerful symbol of unity, showcasing the athletes' journey and their shared commitment to sportsmanship and excellence. As the boats glided down the river, the world watched, united in anticipation of the incredible athletic feats that lay ahead.
