Paralympics 2024 opening ceremony LIVE: Paris prepares for start of Games with athletes parade

The Paralympic flag is now brought onto the stage and handed over to the military personnel who have been waiting for this moment.

The unfurl it together and prepare to raise it up...

In the “Sportography” dance the two groups overcomes differences, showing a vision of a new, inclusive competition where unity and equality succeed.

The act is a celebration of diversity and shared creativity, illustrating how diverse groups can unite to achieve a common goal.

This next heavily choreographed section of the show is called “Sportography”. It’s difficult to tell if you’re watching a dance performance, sports, or an art piece.

The performance features the two main groups who come together, blending dance, sport, and art into a fictional game that highlights teamwork, where people with and without disabilities invent new sports in which everyone can participate.

After another emotional video of athletes explaining what it is like to live and come to terms with a disability there is a sequence of dancers on the stage dressed as boxers and martial artists going through warm ups.

It’s about strength, resilience, perseverance and determination.

The French President, Emmanuel Macron, is now invited to officially open the Paralympic Games which he does in professional and quick fashion.

Parsons’ speech is very good. He says: “At a time of growing conflict and exclusion, let sport bring us together,” he says. “Let sport serve as a powerful force for good. Eleven days of sensational sport to enjoy together.

“A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to champion your country’s rich diversity and celebrate the best of Paris, France and humanity. Let us open our minds wide.

“Liberté, égalité, fraternité!”

Tony Estanguet’s speech concluded with a thanks to the athletes.

He said: “Thank you dear athletes. There are 4,400 Paralympians in Paris. You are the best para athletes in the world. You represent 168 delegations.

“You inspire us. Above all, you will find an entire country in the love with the Games, who are so proud to host you for the very first time.”

The President of the International Paralympic Committee, Andrew Parsons, now takes to the stage and welcomes everyone to the Games.

He says: “we are here at a critical time in human history. Here at the Paris 2024 Games we will celebrate what makes us different and that difference serves as a powerful force for good.”

Tony Estanguet continues his speech, which may not be as short as first expected. He says: “Tonight is the start of the most beautiful of revolutions, the Paralympic revolution,

“Like our ancestors you have panache. Like them you are fighting for a cause bigger than you. In your case your weapons are your records. When they said it was impossible you did it.

“And tonight you’re inviting us to join you in your Paralympic revolution, to give everybody their full place. When the sport starts we will no longer see disabilities but champions.

“You have no limits, so let us stop imposing limits on you. A gentle revolution but one that is going to profoundly change us for ever. On the 9th September we will wake up different.”

Tony Estanguet, the President of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, has now take to the stage for a short speech.

He starts by welcoming the athletes and people around the world to the ‘city of love and revolution’.