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Two weeks have flown by since the Olympics wrapped up in Paris, and now, all eyes are on the 2024 Summer Paralympics. The Games are set to begin with an inclusive Opening Ceremony on August 28, featuring up to 6,000 athletes and officials from across the globe.
Following in the footsteps of the Olympics, the Paralympics ceremony promises to be a grand outdoor celebration. The festivities will kick off with a magnificent parade of athletes along the Champs-Elysées, the world’s most beautiful avenue, and will culminate at the Place de la Concorde, the largest square in Paris. Here’s everything you need to know about watching the Paralympics Opening Ceremony in Australia.
🏀 Everything you need to know about the 2024 Paralympic Games
What time does the Paris 2024 Paralympics Opening Ceremony start in Australia?
The 2024 Paralympics Opening Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, August 28 at 8pm Paris local time. In Australia, this falls on Thursday, August 29. If you’re hoping to watch it in real-time, then set your alarms for:
- 2am AWST – WA
- 3.30am ACST – NT, SA
- 4am AEST – ACT, QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS
How to watch the Paralympics Opening Ceremony on TV in Australia?
The 2024 Olympic Games will be broadcast in Australia on 20 free-to-air channels under the Nine Network, including Channel 9 and 9Gem. If you prefer a sleep-in, you can watch the Paralympic Ceremony for free after it’s happened on the 9Now streaming platform. It can be accessed on your web browser or through your Smart TV, mobile or tablet after downloading the app.
Stan Sport will also broadcast the Paralympic Ceremony ad-free, live and on-demand in Australia. You can access Stan Sport here.
How long does the Opening Ceremony last?
The Opening Ceremony is scheduled to run for three hours, from 8-11pm local time in Paris.
Who are the Australian Paralympic flag bearers in the Opening Ceremony 2024?
Dual gold-medalist wheelchair racer, Madison de Rozario and four-time Paralympic swimmer, Brenden Hall have been named as Australia’s flag bearers in 2024.
Who is performing at the Opening Ceremony?
As with the other Olympic ceremonies, the artistic direction for this event has been entrusted to French actor and stage director Thomas Jolly. While the lineup of artists remains under wraps for now, inclusivity will be at the heart of the show, so expect an incredible display featuring many singers and dancers with disabilities.
Who are the Paralympic torchbearers?
Hong Kong-born martial arts actor Jackie Chan has been announced as one of the torch bearers for the 2024 Paralympics Opening Ceremony. He is one of almost 1,000 torchbearers who will carry the flame, split between 12 torches, through 50 cities across France. Other torchbearers include French actress Elsa Zylberstein and French dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied, along with former Paralympians, young para-athletes, volunteers from Paralympic federations and support workers.
When is the Paralympic Closing Ceremony?
You’ll also need to prepare for a super early start if you want to tune into the Paralympic Closing Ceremony on Sunday, September 8. This falls on Monday, September 9 in Australia at:
- 2am AWST – WA
- 3.30am ACST – NT, SA
- 4am AEST – ACT, QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS
The Olympic committee has teased that the Paralympic Closing Ceremony will bring together "24 of France's top DJs" for an "electro party" theme.
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