Paris 2024 Paralympics: How to Watch the Games and Opening Ceremony
The world's attention will shift to Paris for the Paralympic Games, following the conclusion of the Olympic Games. The 2024 Paralympic Games are set to commence on 28 August with the opening ceremony, featuring 22 sports and a formidable Team USA roster of 225 athletes, including five guides. This impressive team boasts a combined 122 gold medals won over the years.
One of the star athletes, Paralympic sprinter Hunter Woodhall, a previous medallist, announced on the social media platform Threads on 15 August that he had tested positive for COVID-19. He has assured fans that he will overcome the illness and be ready to compete in Paris. Woodhall has been providing updates on Threads, documenting his return to training since his diagnosis, and recently stated on 21 August that things are "coming together at the right time."
Team USA also boasts a number of veteran Paralympians, including Jessica Long (swimming), a 29-time Paralympic medallist, Tatyana McFadden (track and field), and Oksana Masters, the most decorated winter Paralympian of all time, who will compete in road cycling.
Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, stated in a press release announcing the Team USA roster on 19 August that the athletes' journey to the Paralympics is "a testament to their unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence." She added, "We eagerly anticipate the extraordinary moments and awe-inspiring Paralympic competition that lies ahead, and we canât wait for Team USA to show the world what they can do.â
Here's how to watch the Paralympic Games unfold:
When do the Paralympic Games start?
The Games officially open on 28 August with the opening ceremony taking place at the Place de la Concorde in Paris. The first day of competition will be on 29 August.
How can I watch the Paralympics opening ceremony?
Over 4,000 athletes from 184 delegations will participate in the Paralympic opening ceremony on 28 August at 2:00 PM ET (7:00 PM BST). The ceremony will be broadcast live on USA Network and streamed live on Peacock, starting at 1:00 PM ET (6:00 PM BST). Highlights from the opening ceremony will be shown in primetime on NBC and Peacock on 30 August at 9:00 PM ET (2:00 AM BST).
How can I watch the Paralympics events?
Coverage of the Games will be broadcast on NBC, Peacock, USA Network, and CNBC. Peacock will stream over 1,500 hours of live coverage across all 22 Paralympic sports during the 12-day event, as announced by NBC Sports in May.
The "Gold Zone" programme on Peacock will offer live-streaming coverage from 29 August to 7 September, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM ET (4:00 PM to 9:00 PM BST).
What does the Paralympics schedule look like?
Paralympic events will commence on 29 August and conclude with several finals and the closing ceremony on 8 September.
Day 1 (29 August) Highlights:
Para Cycling Track (9:45 AM ET / 2:45 PM BST): Various men's and women's races will take place, including medal events like men's 4000m individual pursuit and women's 3000m individual pursuit.
Para Taekwondo (11:00 AM ET / 4:00 PM BST): The first taekwondo finals for both men and women will be held under the dome of the Grand Palais.
Para Swimming (11:30 AM ET / 4:30 PM BST): Several medal events will take place at Paris La Défense Arena in Nanterre, including men's and women's 400m freestyle, men's and women's 100m butterfly, men's and women's 100m backstroke, and more.
You can find a complete schedule for 29 August at [link to complete schedule].
