Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony: Meet the stars taking part in the LA28 Paralympic Handover celebration
On Sunday 8 September, during the Closing Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the Paralympic flag will be handed over to a delegation representing LA28 (Los Angeles 2028) - the next hosts of the Summer Paralympic Games in four years' time.
LA28 have announced a dynamic cast of Paralympians, adaptive athletes and artists who will feature in the Handover celebration.
“The LA28 Paralympic Handover will be a historic moment, as Los Angeles prepares to host the city’s first-ever Paralympic Games,” said LA28 Chairperson and President Casey Wasserman. “When Paris hands the flag over to LA, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to spotlight the Paralympics with a cast of allies, artists and advocates who share our commitment to furthering the Movement.”
Team USA will be represented in the Handover Ceremony by Paris 2024 Paralympians Samantha Bosco, Ezra Frech and Jamal Hill - all of whom currently reside in Los Angeles.
Bosco won gold in Paris in the women's time trial C4 road cycling event, while Frech won gold in the men's 100m T63 and high jump T3 competitions - setting a new Paralympic record with a 1.94m jump in the latter.
Hill won bronze in the men's 50m freestyle S9 swimming event at Tokyo 2020, finishing 5th in the same event at Paris 2024.
“The Paralympic Games coming to Los Angeles for the first time will be one of the most significant moments in history for people with a disability,” said Frech. “For me as an LA native, it will absolutely be one the most memorable moments in my sporting career and life – an experience I cannot wait to share with my hometown and community.”
Ezra Frech of Team United States reacts after winning the gold medal after the Men's 100m - T63 on day five of the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games.
Once the Paralympic flag is passed to LA28, Tony Award-winning actress and Broadway star Ali Stroker will sing the U.S. national anthem live at the Stade de France.
The audience will then be treated to an interactive musical performance from an acclaimed group including jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker; violinist and singer-songwriter Gaelynn Lea; rapper, songwriter and athlete Garnett Silver-Hall; and performing artist Anderson .Paak, all set against the backdrop of Los Angeles’ iconic Venice Beach coastline.
Adaptive skaters Oscar Loreto Jr., Kanya Sesser and Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham - three pioneers in the world of adaptive skateboarding and wheelchair motocross (WCMX) - will join .Paak for his segment of the show.
Actress Lauren Ridloff, whose credits include roles as Makkari in Marvel's Eternals and Connie in The Walking Dead, will also feature.
The Closing Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will be held at the Stade de France on 8 September 2024, starting at 9 p.m. CEST.