For the first time in Paralympic history, the Opening Ceremony was held under the open sky, with the historic Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysees serving as a breathtaking backdrop. This unprecedented event set the stage for an unforgettable celebration as athletes from around the world marched through the heart of Paris.

Flagbearers from 168 delegations proudly paraded through the streets, cheered on by enthusiastic workers, volunteers, and the public. Former Paralympic swimmer Theo Curin led the way, driving a car adorned with the Phryge Mascot to Place De La Concorde.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron, International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons, Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, and other distinguished guests.

The evening began with a captivating piano performance by Chilly Gonzales, leading into a powerful artistic showcase. On stage, 140 dancers representing the “Strict Society” and 16 performers with disabilities, known as the “Creative Gang,” performed in a dynamic display of movement. The theme, “Paradox,” explored the contrast between the rigid norms of the “Strict Society” and the vibrant individuality of the “Creative Gang,” highlighting the ongoing struggle for true inclusion in a society that often falls short.

As the performance reached its peak, Christine and the Queens delivered a moving rendition of Édith Piaf’s “Non, je ne regrette rien,” symbolizing the confrontation between the two groups and the broader societal push for inclusivity.

Phryges and dancers with disabilities captivated the audience at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Photo Credit: OIS.

The Paris 2024 mascots then took centre stage, ushering in the Parade of Nations as athletes made their entrance in dazzling outfits. The celebration continued with dancers from the “Strict Society” performing to Lucky Love’s “My Ability,” emphasizing themes of self-expression and empowerment.

Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024 described the Games as a ‘Paralympic Revolution.’ He praised the athletes as ‘courageous and determined,’ fighting to change perspectives on disabilities. Estanguet emphasized that there are no limits for these athletes, who are true champions. The crowd’s energy soared as he spoke, reflecting the powerful message of inclusion.

“Tonight the revolution is you the athlete like our ancestors. Like all the revolutions around the world, you have courage and determination. Like them, you fighting for a cause bigger than you and in your cause, your weapon is your performance, your records, your emotions and your unique life stories.”

Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, highlighted the significance of the Games, stating, “Starting tomorrow, every Paralympic event will unfold at France’s most iconic venues, where tradition meets modernity, perfectly reflecting the achievements of these remarkable athletes. This ceremony marks a new chapter in the Paralympic journey, celebrating the challenges these athletes have overcome and inspiring us to build a more inclusive world.”

Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, addressed the athletes and dignitaries at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Photo Credit: OIS/Hassan Wamwayi.

President of the International Paralympic Committee, Andrew Parsons said Paralympians at Paris 2024 are not just to participate, but to compete, win and smash world records.

“As we prepare with gates wide open, and open our minds wide. What you witness from paralympic athletes are abilities and skills that will surprise you. Level of resilience and determination that energises you and commandry that will inspire you.” 

“But the Paralympics are also here to do something far greater than personal glory they want equality and inclusion for themselves and the world’s 1.3 billion people with disabilities. Through their performance as Olympic athletes will challenge stigma alter attitudes and redefine the limits of what you think is possible.”

France Paralympic torchbearers, Charles-Antoine Kaoukou, Elodie Lorandi, Fabien Lamirault, Alexis Hanquinquant and Nantenin Keita light the Paris 2024 Paralympic Cauldron at the Tuileries Gardens during the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Paris, France. Wednesday 28 August 2024. Photo Credit: OIS/Lillie Yazdi.

Charles-Antoine Kaoukou who won the gold in T20 400m at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games as among one of the five French torchbearers who lit the Paris 2024 Paralympic Cauldron at the Tuileries Gardens during the Opening Ceremony.

At Paris 2024, athletes with intellectual impairments will be competing in three sports: Para Athletics (T20 and F20), Para Swimming (S14), and Table Tennis (Class 11). A total of 157 athletes from 43 countries will participate in these events, with 75 male and 82 female athletes, marking the first time that the number of female competitors has surpassed their male counterparts.

This Paralympic Games, join our mission to make invisible impairment VISIBLE.

Watch the events where these athletes are competing at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Use #MakingInvisibleVISIBLE #VirtusSport and Share-Like-Comment about the phenomenal Paralympians with intellectual impairment and make them VISIBLE. 

Gabriel Bandeira, a young and talented para swimmer from Brazil, has been making waves in the world of para-swimming with his remarkable performances. Bandeira is not only a Virtus Ambassador but also holds the title of a Paralympic – Virtus Global Games and World champion. Born in the countryside of São Paulo State, Indiatuba, Bandeira’s journey in the sport began when he was drawn to a swimming competition he witnessed.

Completely unaware of having an intellectual impairment, Bandeira was actually preparing to compete at the Olympic Games one day. However, he struggled with mainstream swimming training, finding it difficult to memorize and perform certain aspects. It was then that Luiz Candido, a coach from Indaiatuba, recognized Bandeira’s unique abilities and the difficulties he was facing and encouraged him to undergo medical testing, which eventually led to his classification as a para-athlete. The transition from Olympic to Paralympic training was a smooth one for Bandeira, as he finally found his place where he could truly be himself.  

“I felt embraced by the Paralympic Movement. It was a very peaceful and light process. I felt like I really could be myself. While I was training with the Olympic athletes, the coach gave the same instructions to the whole team and everybody followed them. But, in the Paralympics training, the coach pays attention to each swimmer according to their impairment. For example, he prints my training so that I don’t struggle with memorising it, he explains it carefully and depending on the situation he knows how to talk to me. When he gives constructive feedback to me, it takes me some time to process it and I can also be aggressive or very sad about it, and the coach stays very calm and patient with me the whole time whilst motivating me until I understand my fault so I do not drop my performance during the session and to improve it instead,” Bandeira told Virtus.  

His goal, which had been to compete in the Olympics since childhood, shifted to the Paralympic Games, a dream he realized and lived at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. 

Gabriel Bandeira at the 2023 Virtus Global Games competing in II1 50m Breaststroke and having a nap with his GG2023 medals and mascots. Photo Credit: Kellerman lens and Bandeira.

With an astounding debut on the international stage at the 2020 World Para Swimming European Open Championships in Portugal, this Brazilian athlete left an indelible mark on the sport. With six gold medals adorning his debut, Bandeira not only clinched victory but also shattered his own Americas records eight times throughout the event.  

Later, at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, the audience witnessed his brilliance as he secured gold in the 100m butterfly (with a Paralympic record), two silvers in 200m freestyle and 200m medley (America’s record) and one bronze in 4x100m freestyle relay (America’s record). Continuing his reign, Bandeira triumphed at the 2023 Parapan American Games with an impressive five gold medals. Bandeira later won eleven gold and three silver at the 2023 Virtus Global Games.

With each stroke, each victory, Bandeira’s legacy grows, inspiring a new generation of athletes to reach for the stars and redefine what’s possible in the world of Para swimming. 

When asked about his goals, Bandeira’s ambition shines through.  

“I want to swim in as many races as possible and win all the gold medals I can and have fun,” he says.  

His competitive spirit and self-motivation drive him to continuously push his limits and compete against his own performances. 

For aspiring young athletes, Bandeira’s advice is simple yet profound. 

“As a child, they need to have fun first, so in the end, the results can come easier. It will not be easy, but it will be natural.“ 

With his unwavering determination, remarkable talent, and the support of his family, Gabriel Bandeira has set his eyes on more gold medals and World Records at the upcoming Paralympic Games, in Paris 2024.  

Join Virtus’ #MakingInvisibleVISIBLE campaign in making Bandeira’s journey Visible. 

WHAT IS INTELLECTUAL IMPAIRMENT? 

Intellectual impairment is an umbrella term to describe a vast and neuro-diverse group of people with varying types of cognitive impairments including intellectual disability, Down syndrome and autism. Having an intellectual impairment impacts how an athlete understands the rules of the sport, interacts with other players, and adjusts to different environments. They might find it difficult to manage reaction times, remember specific race or game strategies, retain focus for long period of time, or maintaining impulse control.

Deepthi Jeevanji is set to script history by becoming India’s first-ever athlete with intellectual impairment to be at any Paralympic Games, with a strong prospect of winning a medal for her country too after her splendid world record-breaking performance at Kobe 2024. As she prepares for her Paralympic debut in Paris 2024, the world watches in anticipation of her continued success. 

For years, Deepthi Jeevanji’s parents endured taunts from their fellow villagers in Telangana’s Kalleda hamlet for having an “intellectually impaired” child. However, today they celebrate her as a world record holder and a beacon of inspiration. 

Born to daily wage labourers J.Yadagiri and J.Dhanalaxmi in the Warangal district of Hyderabad, India, 20-year-old Deepthi faced numerous challenges growing up. Financial struggles and societal prejudices were part of her everyday life, with villagers doubting her potential and prospects for the future. Despite these obstacles, her athletic talent shone through early on. Discovered at a school meeting in Warangal by coach Nagpuri Ramesh, Deepthi’s journey into professional athletics began. 

Financial difficulties nearly derailed her training. Ramesh, recognizing her potential, ensured she could travel to Hyderabad for proper training, even covering her bus fare.  

“She was spotted in a school meet through a PE teacher in Warangal. When I told them to send Deepthi, they said they didn’t have money for bus fare. I told them to just board a bus and give me the phone number of the conductor,” Ramesh recalled during an interview with PTI.  

“After that, I explained to the bus conductor to let her board the bus and told him I would pay the fare when she reached Hyderabad. During the 130 km journey from Warangal to Hyderabad, I kept calling the bus conductor inquiring about her safety.” 

Her parents’ financial struggles included selling their half-acre land, but their fortunes began to change when Deepthi started winning medals. With the Rs 30 lakh reward from her gold medal at the Para Asian Games, they bought back their land and resumed farming.  

“Deepthi’s parents are now doing better. They have bought land with the money Deepthi got as a reward for her achievements and have started farming,” Ramesh said. 

Deepthi Jeevanji waving the Indian flag at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Virtus Global Games opening and at Kobe 2024. Photo Credit: Lucy Percival and Kobe 2024

Deepthi received her international eligibility with Virtus in July 2022 which opened doors for her at the international para-sports competitions. 

“My first international competition was Virtus Global Games. After playing these games I know something. I come to know about Para sports. I also came to know about Asian games through Virtus and slowly about the Paralympic Games,” Deepthi told Virtus.  

Deepthi’s breakthrough came with her gold medal win in the 400m T20 category at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, setting an Asian record time of 56.69 seconds. This victory transformed her life and the perception of her community.

“After Deepthi won gold in the Hangzhou Asian Para Games last year, the scenario changed. Now, the same villagers are praising them for being parents of Deepthi. They told me this when they came to Hyderabad after the Para Asian Games. They told me even the district collector and politicians of the area visited their house, which was a shock to them, considering how things have changed.” 

Deepthi went on to win two silvers in Women’s II1 200m and 400m at 2023 Virtus Global Games later.

Training Deepthi was not without its challenges. Ramesh noted,

“You cannot teach her too many techniques as she is slow in learning things. If you do that, she will get confused.”

Nonetheless, his innovative coaching and support from others, including Chief National Badminton Coach Pullela Gopichand, who facilitated her certification as “intellectually impaired,” allowed her to compete in para meets. 

Deepthi’s rise was further supported by the Gopi-Mytrah Foundation, which sponsored her participation in international events, enabling her to secure the international license required for para-athletes. This sponsorship was crucial in her journey to becoming a world record holder.

On May 20, 2024, Deepthi Jeevanji broke the T20 world record with a time of 55.07 seconds in the women’s 400m race at the Para Athletics World Championship in Kobe, Japan. This victory not only earned her a gold medal but also secured her qualification for the upcoming Paris Paralympics.

Deepthi Jeevanji’s record-breaking performance at Kobe 2024 is a testament to her resilience and determination. Her success has brought immense pride to her family and village and has inspired countless others facing similar challenges.

Deepthi’s story is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary potential within each of us, regardless of the obstacles we face. Her triumph at Kobe 2024 is not just a personal victory but a victory for all who dare to dream and work tirelessly to achieve those dreams.

Join Virtus’ #MakingInvisibleVISIBLE campaign in making Deepthi’s journey Visible. 

WHAT IS INTELLECTUAL IMPAIRMENT? 

 Intellectual impairment is an umbrella term to describe a vast and neuro-diverse group of people with varying types of cognitive impairments including intellectual disability, Down syndrome and autism. Having an intellectual impairment impacts how an athlete understands the rules of the sport, interacts with other players, and adjusts to different environments. They might find it difficult to manage reaction times, remember specific race or game strategies, retain focus for long period of time, or maintaining impulse control.  

Ndiaga Dieng, two-time Virtus Global Games Champion and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Bronze medalist is all set to compete at Paris 2024. Affectionately known as “Chenga,” embodies the spirit of perseverance and triumph. Hailing from Italy, Dieng clinched the bronze medal in the 1500m event at Tokyo 2020. He won first place in the 800m and 1500m races at the Virtus Global Games in 2019 and also dominated the 800m and 1500m races again in Vichy 2023 along with gold in the Men’s II1 4x100m relay.  

Originally from Senegal, Ndiaga’s path to athletic greatness was not without its challenges.  

“In Senegal, I attended a Quran school before coming here and stayed with my grandparents and uncles. I wasn’t doing well in school and causing a bit of trouble so my aunt called my dad and asked him to bring me here to Italy. So, my father did the paperwork and brought me here. My family was already here, I stayed with my grandparents and uncles, and as soon as I arrived in Italy,” Chenga told Virtus.  

Arriving in Italy in 2012, he found comfort in sports, particularly football, amidst the transition to a new country and culture. However, it was athletics that captured his heart, thanks to the encouragement of his coach Maurizio and the support of Virtus Italy- FISDIR. Ndiega received his international eligibility with Virtus in January 2018, which opened doors for her at the international para-sports competitions. 

Ndiega Dieng anchored Italy’s win in the II1 Men’s 4x100m relay at the 2023 Virtus Global Games (L) and posed with the fellow medalists at GG2023. Photo Credit: Kellerman lens

Despite facing initial doubts and uncertainties, Ndiaga’s commitment to his skills propelled him forward. His relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with unwavering dedication, saw him rise to the podium at prestigious competitions like the Virtus Global Games, World Championships and the Paralympic Games. 

Reflecting on his journey, Ndiaga credits his brother Mohamed as his biggest fan and source of motivation. He acknowledges the support of federations like FISDIR, whose unwavering assistance helped pave the way for his success. 

Looking ahead to Paris 2024, Ndiaga sets his sights on new heights, aiming to bring glory to Italy once again. With determination in his heart and a fierce competitive spirit, he faces the challenges head-on, ready to conquer new milestones.  

“I didn’t think I would get to represent Italy one day on international stages like Virtus Global Games or Paralympic Games. I didn’t take this (athletics) seriously, then gradually, since I was getting good results, I thought: Why don’t I focus better, to see what I can do?” My goal for Paris 2024 is to replicate my win from the 2023 Virtus Global Games, get on the podium and raise the Italian flag as high as possible, both in the 400 meters and the 1500 meters.” 

Beyond the accolades and medals, Ndiaga’s story serves as an inspiration to young athletes with intellectual impairments. His message to younger athletes with intellectual impairment is simple yet powerful: Never give up, for anything worth achieving never comes easy. 

As we applaud Ndiaga Dieng, let his journey remind us that with perseverance, resilience, and unwavering determination, anything is possible. Here’s to chasing dreams and defying odds – just like Chenga. 

WHAT IS INTELLECTUAL IMPAIRMENT? 

Intellectual impairment is an umbrella term to describe a vast and neuro-diverse group of people with varying types of cognitive impairments including intellectual disability, Down syndrome and autism. Having an intellectual impairment impacts how an athlete understands the rules of the sport, interacts with other players, and adjusts to different environments. They might find it difficult to manage reaction times, remember specific race or game strategies, retain focus for long period of time, or maintaining impulse control. 

Naohide Yamaguchi, a distinguished para swimmer from Imabari-city in Ehime Prefecture, Japan, is gearing up to make a splash at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Living with his parents and supported by his older sister, Naohide’s journey to the pinnacle of para-swimming is both inspiring and remarkable. 

 Naohide’s love for sports began in childhood which got carried forward in life with the opportunities it provided Noahide with. 

 “I was a very active child, and I have loved sports since childhood. Swimming is where I can express myself and fully demonstrate my abilities,” Naohide explains. 

Training rigorously at a local swim club, he dedicates 2.0-2.5 hours per session, with evening practices on weekdays and early morning practices on weekends. This dedication has paid off in record-breaking achievements and a promising future. 

Naohide received his international eligibility with Virtus in January 2019 which opened doors for him at the international elite para-sports competitions. 

Yamaguchi dominated the SB14 100m Breaststroke podium at the Madeira 2022 and 2022 Virtus OA Games. Photo Credit: Madeira 2022 and 2022 OA Games.

Naohide made waves at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games by breaking the world record in the SB 100m Breaststroke event with a time of 1:03.77. He continued his record-breaking streak at the 2022 Madeira Para-Swimming Championship, setting a championship record of 1:04.46 in the same event and establishing a Virtus Asia Record in the Men’s 200m Breaststroke II1 category with a time of 2:21.26. As a Paralympic champion and holder of multiple records, Naohide brings exceptional form and unmatched skills to the breaststroke events. 

Specializing in breaststroke, Naohide finds the most challenging aspect of his training to be maintaining body balance and shifting weight during swimming.  

“The most challenging thing is how I can handle body balance and shift my body weight during swimming,” he notes.  

 Despite these challenges, he remains undefeated in breaststroke and individual medley (IM) events. For Naohide, swimming is more than a sport—it’s a means of self-expression and personal achievement.  

“For me, swimming is something I can fully demonstrate what I have… it is my way of expressing myself and my origin of power,” he says. 

As he prepares for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Naohide acknowledges the fierce competition from para swimmers worldwide, especially from Nicholas Bennett from Canada. However, he views his rivals not just as competitors but as his biggest supporters, pushing him to achieve greater heights.  

 Naohide is grateful for the support from NPC Japan and Virtus, which have provided him with numerous competition opportunities across various countries.   

“I am thankful to NPC Japan and VIRTUS for all their efforts in having various competition opportunities in various countries because it helped me a lot. Their efforts have been instrumental in my development as an athlete,” he says. 

Naohide aspires to live a positive life, enjoying both swimming and everyday moments. His message to young athletes with intellectual impairments is to embrace the sport, meet new people, and gain diverse experiences, ultimately refining their professionalism and passion.  

“Through the sport, I hope they meet people and they experience various things. Then refine their professionalism,” he advises. 

As Naohide Yamaguchi prepares to compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, his journey serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for athletes everywhere.  

Join Virtus’ #MakingInvisibleVISIBLE campaign in making Naohide’s journey Visible. 

WHAT IS INTELLECTUAL IMPAIRMENT? 

Intellectual impairment is an umbrella term to describe a vast and neuro-diverse group of people with varying types of cognitive impairments including intellectual disability, Down syndrome and autism. Having an intellectual impairment impacts how an athlete understands the rules of the sport, interacts with other players, and adjusts to different environments. They might find it difficult to manage reaction times, remember specific race or game strategies, retain focus for long period of time, or maintaining impulse control.