On 28 August 2024, the Opening Ceremony for the Paralympics took place in Paris. Over 4000 athletes will compete in this 11-day spectacle.
Unsplash/Amada MA
The Opening Ceremony has dazzling displays of dancers in wheelchairs, fireworks, and athletes bearing their flags as they made their way down the Avenue des Champs-Elysees.
South African Paralympians have emphasised their excitement for the games and what opportunities these stunning demonstrations of peak athleticism can hold. Mpumelelo Mhlongo, a South African athlete, shares his enthusiasm for these events:
“I just expect that there’s going to be a massive crowd out there welcoming the Paralympians from around the world, and a lot of countries creating a good vibe just to show France how grateful we are that they are hosting us and they’ve created such an amazing event for us to showcase our talent.”
According to Team South Africa, the prize money for Paralympians is the same as the stipend for Paris 2024 Olympic athletes. Here is what the South African para-athletes and coaches will receive if they snag a medal:
- R200,000 per athlete and R100,000 for the coach for a gold medal.
- R100,000 per athlete and R50,000 for the coach for a silver medal.
- R40,000 per athlete and R20,000 for the coach for a bronze medal.
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