The 2024 Olympics in Paris kicked off with a historic opening ceremony on Friday, July 26. More so, since it was the first time the ceremony took place outside a stadium, setting a spectacular tone for the games.
Thousands of athletes embarked on a multi-mile march along the Seine River, with 160 boats representing participating nations.
This unique procession showcased athletes waving their countries’ flags, marking a departure from the traditional stadium entrance.
SENS Magazine highlights five key moments of the ceremony and where our Olympics-loving Rwandan audience can tune in to watch the games.
Diverse Sports Lineup
The Olympic games will feature an array of sports including archery, artistic swimming, badminton, basketball, 3×3 basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, breakdancing, canoeing, cycling, diving, equestrian, fencing, field hockey, golf, gymnastics, handball, judo, modern pentathlon, rhythmic gymnastics, rowing, rugby, sailing, shooting, skateboarding, soccer, sport climbing, surfing, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, track and field, trampoline, triathlon, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, and wrestling.
Céline Dion’s Triumphant Return
Following a stunning light show on the Eiffel Tower, Céline Dion made a breathtaking return to the stage after four years.
She closed the night with “L’Hymne à l’amour” from the base of the Eiffel Tower, her first performance since announcing her diagnosis of stiff-person syndrome in 2022.
This rare neurological condition causes spasms and muscle rigidity, but Dion has expressed optimism about her recovery, praising her medical team and embracing hope over fear.
Innovative Cauldron Lighting
The 2024 Games’ opening ceremony promised innovation, and delivered, particularly with the cauldron lighting.
French athletes and famous Olympians, including Zinedine Zidane, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Carl Lewis, and Tony Parker, carried the torch.
Judo star Teddy Riner and 400-meter sprinter Marie-José Pérec lit the cauldron, attached to a giant balloon, causing the Olympic flame to float above Paris.
Notably, the eco-friendly cauldron uses a 100% electric flame made of water and light, with no fuel.
Paris Steals the Show
The Seine River parade offered breathtaking Parisian scenes as boats passed iconic landmarks, culminating at the Trocadero with the Eiffel Tower, adorned with Olympic rings, as the backdrop.
The ceremony incorporated the city itself with torch-bearers running across rooftops and through famous locations.
The city’s history and culture were highlighted throughout the ceremony. This included a heavy metal performance at the Conciergerie with windows displaying Marie Antoinette figures backlit in red, and a fashion show that crossed the river.
Lady Gaga also paid tribute to Paris’ cabaret culture, performing on the riverbanks.
This showcase previewed the rest of the Games, with many of Paris’ iconic landmarks serving as backdrops for the competitions.
Controversial Drag Performance
A fashion show at the ceremony featured a modern take on Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” with French actor and singer Philippe Katerine playing the Greek god Dionysus, painted blue and wearing only a bunch of flowers.
Some fans appreciated this bold and playful display of French culture, while others, especially those with conservative or Christian views, were offended.
Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the opening ceremony, defended the production during a news conference on Saturday.
He said he was unaware of the criticism and aimed to promote inclusivity. “When we want to include everyone and not exclude anyone, questions are raised,” Jolly remarked at the International Olympic Committee media briefing.
Where to Watch
SuperSport offers comprehensive coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympics for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Canal+ and Startimes subscribers can access the Olympics via TV5 Monde and Eurosport channels.
