See the Best Photos from the 2024 Paralympics Opening Ceremony in Paris

Breathtaking views and epic performances helped kick off the 2024 Summer Paralympics

The 2024 Paralympic Games have officially begun!

With the thrill of the 2024 Summer Olympics still abuzz in Paris, 4,400 athletes with disabilities, permanent injuries or impairments kicked off the Summer Paralympics in an opening ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 28.

Paralympians from over 168 delegations led the charge in the first-of-its-kind event, which marks the first time the Paralympic Games has hosted its opening ceremony outside of a stadium, just as Paris did for the 2024 Olympic Games a month earlier.

See the best images from the 2024 Paralympic opening ceremony below:

The ceremony begins with a dance show at Place de la Concorde

The show kicked off with a performance by Lucky Love, a French singer who lost his left arm at birth, along with performers in wheelchairs.

They were followed by the parade of Paralympians, who will compete over 11 days in the city. These Games are slated to have the second highest attendance rate of any Paralympics behind London in 2012, according to the Associated Press.

Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, said, “We are at the heart of the city,” in a statement to the AP, adding, "The symbolism behind this is like the city of Paris is giving our athletes a gigantic hug.”

Nicky Nieves and Steve Sario carry the Team USA flag

Wheelchair basketball athlete Steve Serio and sitting volleyball star Nicky Nieves led the charge for Team USA, carrying the American flag through the Champs-Elysees toward Place de la Concorde, which was where Olympic events including skateboarding, 3x3 basketball and breaking took place.

Wheelchair basketball medallist Jitske Visser told Olympics.com, "What an incredible moment for our athletes, who will be part of a historic Opening Ceremony, on the world’s most famous avenue, surrounded by all the charm of Paris."

Dancing takes center stage

Speaking to Olympics.com before the event began, the opening ceremony's artistic director Thomas Jolly said the event will "showcase the Paralympic athletes and the values that they embody."

Christine and the Queens kicks off the festivities

Christine and the Queens performed a rockin' set to kick off the Games, with Paralympians joining in on the fun during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games

Phyrges sighting!

The adorable Paralympics and Olympics mascots — the Phryges — performed in front of the Obelisque de Louxor to get the thousands of fans in attendance ready for an awesome 11 days of Games.

IPC president Parsons told the AP that out of 2.5 million tickets for the Paralympic events, 2 million have been sold.

Breathtaking views at the Louvre

The city of Paris raised the bar as an Olympic host this year, uniquely

The smoke trail in the colours of the French national flag, released by the French Air Force Elite acrobatic flying team "Patrouille de France", is seen over the Pyramide du Louvre during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony.

Team Nigeria Arrives

Leading the way for Team Nigeria was flagbearer Lauritta Onye, holding their national flag as they parade through the streets of Paris.

The Paralympic athletes enjoyed much better weather during their outdoor ceremony than the Olympic opening ceremony on Aug. 11, which saw heavy downpours as athletes rode down the Seine River on boats.

To learn more about all the Olympic champions and Paralympic hopefuls, come to people.com to check out ongoing coverage before, during and after the games. Watch the Paris Paralympics, beginning Aug. 28, on NBC and Peacock.

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Read the original article on People.