Get ready to roll into history as the 2024 Paris Paralympics, featuring over 4,400 athletes from 180 countries, kicks off its first-ever Summer Games in France on August 28, culminating with a spectacular closing event at Stade de France.

Scheduled from August 28 to September 8, the 2024 Paris Paralympics promises to be an unforgettable showcase of athletic prowess, with 549 medal events across 23 sports disciplines. Athletic and historical milestones abound, from the first transgender woman competing to the first female U.S. wheelchair rugby team member, all while the Eiffel Tower lends its iron to the uniquely tactile medals. With events scattered across venues from the Olympic Games, this summer festivity is not just a competition—it's a celebration of resilience, representation, and, of course, really impressive wheelchair basketball dunks.

The opening ceremony is set to be a grand affair, commencing on the iconic Champs-Élysées and concluding at the majestic Place de la Concorde. This route was likely chosen for its picturesque views and undeniable Parisian flair, adding a touch of elegance to the panorama of athleticism. Directed by Thomas Jolly, who also helmed the Olympic ceremonies, there's ample reason to believe that this event will not just be stunning but possibly even melt your heart faster than a French pastry on a sunny afternoon.

Mark your calendars, because this event won’t just be a local affair. Around 4,400 athletes from over 180 countries will compete in the 2024 Paris Paralympics, each vying for a moment of glory and a shiny medal that has been thoughtfully designed with inclusivity in mind. These medals will be distinguishable by touch, allowing athletes to proudly feel their hard-earned achievements without needing to squint at any labels. The inclusion of original iron from the Eiffel Tower is a nod to Parisian heritage, ensuring that the medals are as unique as the athletes who will wear them.

And it’s not just the athletes who are making history; the competition itself will highlight significant steps toward inclusivity. Sarah Adam will grace the field as the first female member of the U.S. wheelchair rugby team, shattering glass ceilings and possibly any nearby barriers while she’s at it. Meanwhile, Italy's Valentina Petrillo will break new ground as the first transgender woman to compete in the Paralympics. Both athletes embody the evolving narrative in the world of sports, even if the only blocks they'll be encountering are those in their respective sports.

In preparation for the event, Paris has ramped up accessibility improvements across the city, ensuring that enthusiasts and participants alike can navigate the city with ease. This is as essential as offering croissants at breakfast—nobody should be hampered by a lack of accessibility when trying to cheer for their favorite athletes. After all, seamless transportation might even lead to someone discovering how to order a perfect café au lait without needing a French dictionary.

The Paralympics will feature numerous events at venues that already held Olympic competitions, suggesting that the city is fully embracing its status as the epicenter of international athleticism. One can only imagine the athletes engaging in fierce rivalry amid the hallowed grounds where Olympic dreams were forged just weeks earlier. Perhaps there will even be an unofficial competition to see who can snag the best post-event selfies on the newly renovated podiums.

Coverage of the games will come from the familiar channels: NBC, USA Network, and CNBC, with streaming available on Peacock. While some may prefer the traditional TV route, others might opt to watch the games while indulging in a leisurely stroll through the streets of Paris, probably while wondering if they should stop for another baguette rather than fully engaging with the stunning athletic feats occurring live on their devices.

As the countdown to the opening ceremony continues, the torch has made its grand arrival in Paris—because if there's anything that symbolizes hope and athletic prowess, it's a flaming stick carried by fantastically fit individuals. Preparations are well underway, promising that when August arrives, the city will be awash in color, excitement, and that occasional waft of freshly baked goods wafting through the air.

The closing ceremony on September 8 at Stade de France will wrap up the festivities, sealing the history within a grand spectacle. Spectacle is certainly a favorite word in the French vocabulary, and the organizers are expected to deliver a finale worthy of international applause. Will there be confetti? Perhaps some dramatic lighting? One can only hope for a triumphant conclusion that rivals even the most over-the-top street performer in Paris.

The Paralympics are set to highlight not just athletic excellence but a cultural tapestry woven with resilience, diversity, and memorable performances by individuals with disabilities. With this level of preparation and inclusion, the 2024 Paris Paralympics could very well act as a catalyst for change, even if the only thing it ends up changing is how we view wheelchair basketball. The games promise to be a breathtaking celebration of the human spirit—one that encourages all competitors and spectators to embrace the notion that achievement comes in many forms.