Paris 2024 Messages from the CEO

Opening Ceremony

The day arrived, and as the sun set over the iconic city of Paris, Paralympians #164 Cameron Leslie and #195 Anna Grimaldi, along with Chef de Mission Raylene Bates, lead our delegation at the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. More on that shortly.

It’s been an incredible few days as the Paralympic Village starts to hum with the vibrant cultures from around the globe and the unique stories of every Paralympian, their support staff and the army of volunteers. It really is another world stepping inside a Paralympic Village.

Before the excitement of the Opening Ceremony, PNZ Chair and President Jana Rangooni and I had the privilege to be welcomed into the NZ Paralympic Team, with karakia, waiata and receiving the special pounamu presented to each member of the NZ Paralympic Team.

We also attended the first ever Oceania function in the Paralympic Village, bringing together all competing Oceania NPCs. Deputy Chef de Mission Lynette Grace, has played a central role supporting the creation of an Oceania Hub within the Paralympic Village, and for the first time all Oceania nations are accommodated in the Village next to each other, as we are neighbours across the Pacific.

It was fantastic to hear each Chef de Mission speak so passionately about the Paralympic Movement and the positive impact that Para sport has across the region, and the great opportunities we have to continue to work together on the runway to a virtual ‘home’ Paralympic Games at Brisbane 2032.

The event included cultural elements from across the Pacific also, including an indigenous ceremony from Australia and a powerful karakia connecting all in attendance to Aotearoa New Zealand.

And our NZ Paralympic Team has our own slice of paradise, proudly displaying the brand of the NZ Paralympic Team and culture of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Back to the Opening Ceremony.

The French Organising Committee have been well served by the earlier Test Event, and the pre-Ceremony operations for guests were seamless. Road closures were implemented, police escorts in place and a perfectly timed journey from each destination to the main event was delivered.

Arriving slightly early to mix and mingle with fellow National Paralympic Committee representatives, it was great to connect with colleagues from across the globe – Canada, Poland, Fiji, Korea, Great Britain, Badminton World Federation, to name a few. Pins were exchanged, well wishes for respective Teams, and the anticipation of the show that was about to unfold.

Performers with a disability featuring prominently, the iconic French colours from a fly-by and DJ wearing the longest dressing gown ever made – and it was time to welcome the Paralympians of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games – into the unique ‘stadium like’ atmosphere.

Did you get your French alphabet correct? The Team from Nouvelle-Zélande. And didn’t our delegation look fantastic, led by Paralympians #164 Cameron Leslie MNZM and #195 Anna Grimaldi MNZM, and we’re sure they could feel the aroha from back home, as they proudly marched for the rest of the NZ Paralympic Team (who were watching from both of the Paralympic Villages or from training bases further afield in Europe), for their family and friends, and for every person in New Zealand with a disability.

A special shout out to International Paralympic Committee Vice President, PNZ Board member and NZ Paralympian #96 Duane Kale, who earlier in the evening carried the Paralympic flame at the Presidential Palace and was sitting next to the French President as the Teams were welcomed into the arena.

With the arrival of the Paralympic flame, the moment was closer to the Games being declared officially open and time for the action to begin.

On behalf of every member of the NZ Paralympic Team and PNZ, a huge thank you for your continued support. It’s now over to our incredible Paralympians competing over the next 11 days, commencing with Para badminton and Para cycling, truly giving all of New Zealand #SomethingToTalkAbout.

Stay tuned across the Games for more news, insights and celebrations, but for now, make sure you tune in to TVNZ, follow like and share the content across PNZ channels, and tell everyone you know that our NZ Paralympic Team are worth talking about.

Kia ora and Bonne Chance!