On 28 August, the Paris 2024 Paralympics opens, which will be the first-ever summer Paralympic Games to be hosted by France.

From 28 August - 8 September, over 4,400 athletes from all over the world will compete in 549 medal events. 

Co-captained by Angie Ballard, eight-time Paralympic medallist in athletics, and Curtis McGrath, triple gold medallist in para-canoe, the 2024 Australian Paralympic team consists of 160 athletes. Out of those athletes, 61 will be making their Olympic debut.

On Monday 26 August, in the lead-up to the games, the Minister for Sports, Anika Wells, announced that the Federal Government will reward Paralympians who win medals at the Paris 2024 and Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games.

“The investment by the Australian Government recognises the importance of Paralympic sport in Australia,” said Alison Creagh, Paralympics Australia President, in a media release.

Creagh said that medal rewards, which Paralympians first received during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, was a timely boost.

“Knowing that their achievements are valued equally to their Olympic colleagues will give our athletes more confidence and motivation to compete at their best.”

Tokyo dual gold medallist Madison De Rozario will be carrying the Australian flag along with Para-swimmer Brendan Hall during the Opening Ceremony.

“Paralympians aren’t here in Paris for money – we’re here in the green-and-gold because of what it means to us to compete for our country,” De Rozario said.

“But this support tells us as Paralympians that we are valued. It also tells the public that athletes with a disability are equal with non-disabled athletes.”