Paris Paralympics Set to Use Olympic Venues

The Paris Paralympic Games will take over from 28 August to 8 September, aiming for a seamless transition with minimal changes. To achieve this, the organizers have opted to hold most of the events at the same venues used during the Olympics, striving for a tone of inclusivity and accessibility.

Paris is gearing up to host its first-ever Summer Paralympics, and the reuse of Olympic sites for these Games is a testament to the efficient planning and legacy considerations of the event. Out of the 35 venues used for the Olympic Games, 18 will be repurposed for the Paralympics.

Among the notable venues, the Paris La Défense Arena will once again take center stage, this time for the Para-swimming events. The arena, which previously hosted water polo finals and witnessed Léon Marchand’s remarkable performances, will maintain its 50-meter pool to accommodate the Paralympic swimming competitions. With 141 gold medals up for grabs, the arena will be a focal point for aquatic sports.

Several other iconic Olympic venues will also be employed for Paralympic events. The Grand Palais, known for its impressive architecture and its role during the Olympics, will host Wheelchair Fencing and Para Taekwondo. Stade Roland-Garros, famed for its tennis heritage, will now feature Wheelchair Tennis. The Pont Alexandre III will be the backdrop for the Para Triathlon, while the Champ-de-Mars Arena will serve as the venue for Para Judo and Wheelchair Rugby.

Additionally, the Invalides will host Para Archery, and the Eiffel Tower Stadium will be adapted for Cécifoot after covering the volleyball court with a new floor.

The Place de la Concorde, which was home to the Olympic Parc Urbain, is currently undergoing transformation to serve as the venue for the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on August 28. This adaptive reuse of spaces highlights the city’s dedication to creating a cohesive and inclusive sporting experience.