Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics Handover: A Historic Celebration at Paris Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will mark a significant milestone as the flag is handed over to the next host city, Los Angeles. This momentous occasion will be celebrated with an elaborate handover ceremony featuring a star-studded lineup of performers and Paralympians. Notable figures such as Anderson .Paak, Ali Stroker, and Lauren Ridloff will grace the stage, bringing their unique talents to highlight the importance of the Paralympic movement. The event will be broadcast live on CNBC and Peacock, ensuring that audiences across the United States can witness this historic transition.

Los Angeles has hosted the Olympic Games twice before, in 1932 and 1984, but this will be the city’s first time hosting the Paralympic Games. The LA28 Paralympic handover is not just a ceremonial passing of the flag; it represents a commitment to furthering the Paralympic movement and promoting inclusivity in sports. Casey Wasserman, chairperson and president of LA28, expressed his excitement for this historic moment, emphasizing the city’s dedication to showcasing the talents and achievements of athletes with disabilities.

The handover ceremony will feature a diverse cast of artists, allies, and advocates, each bringing their own flair to the celebration. Anderson .Paak, an eight-time Grammy Award-winning artist, will perform an interactive musical piece, joined by adaptive skaters Oscar Loreto Jr., Kanya Sesser, and Aaron Wheelz Fotheringham. Tony Award-winning actress Ali Stroker will kick off the ceremony with a live performance of the U.S. national anthem at the Stade de France, setting the tone for a night of inspiration and celebration.

In addition to musical performances, the ceremony will also include appearances by notable Paralympians and adaptive athletes. Ezra Frech, a two-time gold medalist from the Paris Games and an LA native, will share his excitement for the Paralympic Games coming to his hometown. Frech believes that hosting the Paralympics in Los Angeles will be one of the most significant moments in history for people with disabilities, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and inspire future generations.

Lauren Ridloff, known for her roles in The Walking Dead and Marvel’s Eternals, will also be featured in the handover ceremony. Ridloff, who is deaf, has been a vocal advocate for disability representation in media and sports. Her involvement in the handover highlights the importance of inclusivity and representation in all aspects of society, including the Paralympic Games.

The musical lineup for the handover ceremony is designed to celebrate the spirit of the Paralympic movement through music and movement. Jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker and violinist and composer Gaelynn Lea will perform against the iconic backdrop of Venice Beach, creating a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience. Rapper and athlete Garnett Silver-Hall will also join the performance, adding his unique perspective as both a musician and a Paralympian.

As the flag is passed from Paris to Los Angeles, the ceremony will serve as a reminder of the power of sports to bring people together and promote positive change. The LA28 Paralympic Games will take place from August 22 to September 3, 2028, following the Summer Olympics. This event will not only highlight the achievements of Paralympians but also aim to further the Paralympic movement and spotlight the importance of inclusivity in sports.

Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles will be present at the closing ceremony in Paris, marking her second visit to the city for a closing ceremony this year. Bass’s presence underscores the significance of this moment for Los Angeles as it prepares to host its first-ever Paralympic Games. Upon her return to LA, there will be a special installation ceremony where the Olympic and Paralympic flags will be displayed, symbolizing the city’s readiness to welcome the world in 2028.

The LA28 Paralympic handover is being produced by Fulwell 73 Productions, with creative direction by Emmy Award-winning executive producer Ben Winston. The production aims to create a memorable and impactful experience that honors the achievements of Paralympians and sets the stage for the upcoming Games in Los Angeles. Making Space and Making Space Media will provide paid mentorship and employment opportunities for disabled talent, furthering the commitment to inclusivity and representation in the production process.

The anticipation for the LA28 Paralympic Games is palpable, with athletes, artists, and advocates eagerly looking forward to this historic event. The handover ceremony in Paris will not only celebrate the achievements of the current Paralympians but also set the tone for the future of the Paralympic movement. As Los Angeles prepares to host its first Paralympic Games, the city is poised to make a lasting impact on the world of sports and beyond.

The handover ceremony will be a celebration of resilience, determination, and the power of sports to transcend barriers. It will serve as a testament to the progress made in promoting inclusivity and representation in sports, while also highlighting the work that still needs to be done. The LA28 Paralympic Games will provide a platform for athletes with disabilities to showcase their talents on the world stage, inspiring future generations and promoting positive change.

As the world watches the handover ceremony in Paris, the excitement for the LA28 Paralympic Games continues to build. This historic event will not only celebrate the achievements of Paralympians but also highlight the importance of inclusivity and representation in sports. With a diverse cast of artists, allies, and advocates, the LA28 Paralympic handover promises to be a memorable and impactful celebration, setting the stage for the future of the Paralympic movement in Los Angeles and beyond.