USA Paralympic sprinter Blake Leeper was seen holding the flag as the American national anthem played in the background at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The handover from Paris to Los Angeles for the 2028 Games took place, with Andrew Parsons and Tony Estanguet leading the delegation from LA2028.
The closing ceremony featured breakdancing performances, music by DJs, and speeches from Andrew Parsons and Tony Estanguet, encouraging ovations from the crowd for all athletes. The ceremony was described as a big jamboree, with flag-waving, live music, and a parade of athletes.
The French crowd booed President Emmanuel Macron as he waved awkwardly on stage, followed by a lone trumpeter playing La Marseillaise. The Parisian cauldron was taken down as the flame was carried to the Stade de France.
Matt Bush and Poppy Maskill were named as the flagbearers for ParalympicsGB at the closing ceremony, with the British team achieving more golds and medals than in Tokyo. The ceremony also featured speeches, a conga line, and a preview of 24 DJs playing music simultaneously at the end.
As the Paralympics come to an end, athletes were urged to see each other for who they are, and not for who they think they are. The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games were praised for their entertainment value, strong crowds, and healthy viewing figures. The closing ceremony officially ended the 11-day event, with a handover to Los Angeles for the 2028 Games.
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