One year after the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the French capital once again became a hub of sporting celebration. More than 10,000 people gathered at the Communale in Saint-Ouen for Paralympic Day, an event designed to honor athletes, relive the emotions of the Games, and inspire wider engagement with Para sports.
The third edition of Paralympic Day created a vibrant atmosphere, combining sporting demonstrations, cultural performances, and direct interaction between fans and athletes. The event highlighted France’s achievements at the 2024 Paralympics, where the host nation’s delegation of 230 athletes claimed 75 medals, including 19 golds.
Seventy French Paralympic athletes across summer and winter sports participated, sharing their stories and experiences with supporters.
Fans had the opportunity to play blind football with the French team that won gold in Paris, try their hand at boccia with Paralympic champion Aurelie Aubert, and meet Para triathlon star Alexis Hanquinquant, who secured his second gold medal last year.
Visitors also connected with winter athletes preparing for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, which are set to open in less than six months. For many, this was a unique chance to discover new disciplines and meet athletes determined to carry forward France’s Paralympic momentum.
French sporting federations ensured accessibility was at the heart of the event. Attendees with disabilities were encouraged to try various Para sports, emphasizing the inclusive spirit promoted by the Games. Marie-Amelie Le Fur, four-time Paralympian and president of NPC France, reinforced this vision in her address.
“Paralympic Day illustrates our commitment to making sport accessible to all, regardless of background or disability,” Le Fur said. “With the mobilisation of sports stakeholders, we reaffirm that Para sport must be visible, inclusive and open.”
Beyond sports, the day blended entertainment with inspiration. A lively parade of athletes, fans, volunteers and musicians filled the streets, culminating in a symbolic passing of the torch from the heroes of Paris 2024 to the athletes preparing for Milano Cortina 2026.
Later, the Communale was transformed into Club France, hosting a celebratory party. Paralympians Arnaud Assoumani and Nelia Barbosa entertained the crowd with a DJ set, while artists including Paradoxe and Marie Jay kept the energy alive on the dance floor.
For fans, the event was not only a celebration but also a reminder of the unifying power of sport. For athletes, it was both recognition of their achievements and motivation ahead of future competitions.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, held between 28 August and 8 September 2024, brought together 4,400 Para athletes from around the world across 22 sports. France’s impressive medal haul remains a source of pride for the nation.
Now, attention shifts to Milano Cortina 2026, scheduled from 6–15 March 2026. As French winter athletes prepare to compete on the world stage, Paralympic Day in Paris served as a timely reminder of the country’s growing influence in Paralympic sport—and its determination to inspire future generations.
