The excitement is palpable as the iconic city of Paris gears up for a thrilling year leading to the opening ceremony of the much-anticipated “Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.” Set to make history, these games will mark the first time both the Olympics and Paralympics will be held under a unified banner. With the Olympics kicking off on July 26 and the Paralympics following from August 28 to September 8, 2024, Monday, August 28, marks exactly one year until the start of the Paralympic Games.
In the heart of Paris, the Chefs de Mission Seminar is currently underway, serving as a vital milestone ahead of the games. Here, team leaders receive crucial instructions and information regarding participation in the upcoming Paralympics. Representing Slovakia at this seminar are Tomáš Varga, Head of the Paralympic Team for Paris 2024, and Maroš Čambal, Executive Director of the Slovak Paralympic Committee.
Earlier in July, Tomáš Varga participated in a
marketing and media summit organized by the International Paralympic Committee
(IPC) to strategize ways to maximize the impact and media coverage of the
forthcoming Paralympic Games in Paris.
France aims to host the most spectacular games in history, evident in its dynamic plans. The opening ceremony, for instance, will take place outside the central stadium for the first time, offering a unique experience. Additionally, sports venues will be constructed in iconic locations across Paris.
Exciting events await spectators, with the Pont Alexandre III bridge serving as the backdrop for the paratriathlon on September 1st and 2nd. Parataekwondo will find its home under the magnificent glass roof of the Grand Palais, while para-dressage competitions will unfold near Les Invalides.
To commemorate 500 days until the games, organizers unveiled various interesting figures, including the maximum number of athletes competing (4,400), the number of medal events (549), and the estimated record in millions of tickets sold (3.4).
With the help of up to 45,000 volunteers, including 3,000 with disabilities, the organizing committee is leaving no stone unturned in its preparations. Notably, French designer Mathieu Lehanneur won the bid to create torches and cauldrons for the games.
Slovakia is also gearing up for Paris 2024, securing 9 spots across different sports disciplines. With an estimated team size of 55-60 people and 25-30 athletes expected to compete, Slovakia aims to shine on the global stage once again.
In anticipation of the milestone, the Slovak Paralympic Committee has launched an intensive advertising campaign titled “Unbreakable.” The campaign features former tennis representative Karin Habšudová and wheelchair tennis player TOMÁŠ MASARYK, who will be the first Slovak to participate in the US Open Grand Slam tournament in New York in September.
For Paralympic shooter VERONIKA VADOVIČOVÁ, who has already secured a spot, these will be her seventh consecutive Paralympic Games. She looks forward to the unique atmosphere of the games and the support of spectators.
The spirit of determination and resilience shared by athletes participating in the Paralympic Games is beautifully encapsulated in the song “Unbreakable,” performed by Peter Cmorik, Kuly, Lucia Bujnová, and Michal Červienka.
As we celebrate the top 10 most successful Slovak Paralympians from 1996 to 2020, we honor their remarkable achievements and contributions to Slovak sports history. With just a year to go, the countdown to Paris 2024 is well and truly underway, promising an unforgettable celebration of athleticism, unity, and determination.