In case you somehow missed the news, Paris hosted a pretty major event this summer. And no, I’m not talking about the International Dollhouse Festival. Although, side note. If anyone reading this actually did attend the International Dollhouse Festival, please get in touch. I have so many questions. But back to the other major event that happened this summer. I’m talking, of course, about the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. If you were watching the Games on TV, or if perhaps you were lucky enough to attend in person, then you know that Paris put on one hell of a show. However, today I don’t want to talk about the Olympics. I want to talk about the Paralympics, which are taking place as I type this. Which means you still have time to check them out. And you absolutely should check them out, because the Paralympics are simply extraordinary.
I first discovered this fact, and yes it is a fact and not just my opinion that the Paralympics are extraordinary, back in 2010 when I had the incredible experience of working as a production assistant for the Winter Paralympic Games in Vancouver. For 10 days, I travelled with a production crew between venues to cover the competitions, interview the athletes, and film B-roll footage of the crowd and atmosphere. What I experienced and saw during those 10 days changed my life, and no, I’m not being melodramatic.
During those 10 days, I witnessed the most extraordinary feats of athleticism I’ve ever seen, and I heard stories I still remember 14 years on. I also got to hold a freshly won gold medal and I actually teared up. To this day, I have no idea how athletes manage to hold it together on the podium. All in all, my time at the Paralympics was, and remains, one of the best experiences of my life. And it’s one of the many reasons why I was excited to be in a host city once again this summer.
The 2024 Summer Paralympics opened last Wednesday with a beautiful ceremony at Place de la Concorde. And as an added bonus, the weather actually cooperated this time around. Since then, I’ve been to five Paralympic events, including Sitting Volleyball, Taekwondo, Rowing, and two sessions of Wheelchair Basketball. And I have loved every single second of them. Not only has every event been impeccably well organized, but the energy and atmosphere at the venues has been nothing short of electric. And then there’s the athletes.
I could go on and on about what these athletes can do, but the word I keep coming back to is extraordinary. Paralympians are simply extraordinary. Full stop. And I’ve loved watching each and every one of them. However, I was particularly mesmerized by Wheelchair Basketball. Mostly because I didn’t know it was possible to move around a court like that. All four games I saw were exciting and action-packed, and every sports lover should see one of these games at least once in their life.
Which brings me to the reason for this irregularly scheduled post. If you will be in Paris this coming week, go to the Paralympics. Tickets are still available, and they start at just 15 euros. So grab a seat, bring your friends and/or family, and prepare to have the time of your life. And if you won’t be in Paris this week, the Paralympics are being shown on TV and online, so be sure to tune in. Paralympians deserve to play in front of sold out crowds and big audiences, so let’s give them what they deserve. There’s one week left, hundreds of medals up for grabs, with the most extraordinary athletes in the world vying for them. It’s going to be one hell of an exciting week, and I can’t wait to take it all in. I hope you will join me.
Laura Moore is a professional storyteller who loves history and the many stories that make Paris one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Join one of her signature tours to learn the story of a city.
