Videos The extinction of the flame, the farewell to the athletes, the musical show… Relive the highlights of the closing ceremony of the Paralympic Games

At the moment when the blue-white-red flag was raised in the sky by officers from different corps of the French army, The Marseillaise resounded in the Stade de France. To interpret it, the trumpeter André Feydy, born with a malformation of the right arm.

The French delegation applauded by the public

To the cheers of the audience (and the ponchos), L’The Refugee Paralympic Team opened the traditional Refugee Parade delegations. Led by its two flag bearers Tanguy de La Forest, Paralympic para-shooting champion, and Aurélie Aubert, gold medallist in boccia, the French delegation enjoyed the atmosphere of the Games one last time.

To welcome the different nations, around sixty musicians from the Republican Guard formed a guard of honour. Among the variety titles performed, there were some classics : the original soundtrack of Chariots of Fire composed by Vangelis, I Will Surviveby Gloria Gaynor, The Champs-Elysées by Joe Dassin, Take me away by Charles Aznavour, Travel, travel from Desireless, In Emilie’s eyes by Joe Dassin, or even Monday Tuesday… Let me dance by Dalida. A nightclub, on a retro night.

Tony Estanguet greet of the Games that “gave us wonderful shared memories”

Suddenly, “Tony, Tony, Tony” shave fallen from the stands of the Stade de France. The president of the Paris 2024 organising committee was cheered like a rock star as he spoke to close the Games. “These Games were about sport, records, but above all a story of encounters. Of these special encounters, which leave a mark for life, said the Pau native. Tonight, no one wants it to end (…) The Games have given us wonderful shared memories.” And to add: “This summer, France had a date with history and it responded.”

He also asked for a standing ovation from the Stade de France crowd for all the Paralympic Games athletes.

In the process, Andrew Parsons, head of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), took the floor to thank the Paris 2024 organisation, spectators and athletes. “They have shown what humanity can achieve when given the means. We have been inspired by your commitment to change, greeted the Brazilian. Words of praise must be replaced by words of conviction. We all have a responsibility to use the momentum of Paris 2024 to make the world more inclusive.”

The breaking sequence at the Stade de France

After the speeches, a sequence of breaking, a sport that Paris 2024 had chosen to add to the Games program. Eight dancers, half of whom were disabled, gave a demonstration on the stage of the Stade de France. Among the performers, Samuka, Angelina and Perninha and Haiper.

To set the tempo, it was DJ Cut Killer who took to the decks for a remix of Cactus by Jacques Dutronc, by Seine-Saint-Denis Style of NTM or even of No, I don’t regret anything. by Edith Piaf.

Anne Hidalgo hands over Paralympic flag to Los Angeles

At 9:40 p.m., all eyes suddenly turned to Los Angeles. As at the conclusion of the Olympic Games, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo handed the Paralympic flag to Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, who in turn handed it to Karen Bass, Mayor of the Californian city that will host the Games in 2028. One last time, the Paralympic anthem resonated in the heart of the Stade de France. The transition to “LA” is definitively made.

The singer Ali Stroker performs the American anthem

After the artist HER on August 11, it was Ali Stroker, an actress and singer in a wheelchair, who this time had the difficult task of performing the American anthem live.The 37-year-old artist sang The Star-Spangled Banner sIt’s still pouring rain.

Anderson .Paak, Matthew Whitaker and Gaelynn Lea for a postcard sequence

Remember August 11, when Tom Cruise rappelled from the roof of the Stade de France? ? From the show of Billie Eilish, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Snoop Dogg from the City of Angels ? This time, the torch passing sequence was less acrobatic. Following a video featuring American para-athletes, multiple Grammy Award-winning artist Anderson .Paak (yes, with a dot before the P), along with blind pianist Matthew Whitaker, and violinist and composer Gaelynn Lea hosted this passing of the baton since Venice Beach.

Amadou and Mariam perform Serge Gainsbourg in front of the cauldron

After this interlude under the Los Angeles sun, return to Paris. In the Tuileries Gardens, gathered around the basin, Amadou and Mariam performed the famous I came to tell you that I’m leavingby Serge Gainsbourg. The two blind Malian singers were accompanied by a string quartet.

Six French athletes extinguish the flame together at the Stade de France

Stade de France turns into a nightclub

And as if by magic, theThe Stade de France was transformed into a discotheque. A light show illuminated the venue, as if echoing Ernest Hemingway’s book, Paris is a party. To launch this final musical show, the French pope of electro Jean-Michel Jarre. He started with the song The Blue Words by Christophe, for which he wrote the lyrics, before continuing with a medley of his most famous pieces.

This DJ Set then continued with 23 other big names of the “French Touch”. We shook our hips to the sounds offered by Breakbot, Irfane, Alan Braxe, DJ Falcon, Etienne de Crécy, Cassius, Kavinsky, Martin Solveig, The Avener, Chloé Caillet, Ofenbach, Polo & Pan, Kungs…

And to conclude, Martin Solveig stepped forward for a very last mix. Around the Parisian DJ, dozens of Paralympic athletes to party. You will also appreciate the swaying of the Phryges adorned with sequined costumes or moustaches.