A delegation from LA28 (Los Angeles 2028), the next hosts of the Summer Paralympic Games in four years, will receive the Paralympic flag on Sunday, September 8, during the Closing Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
The Handover event will feature a colorful ensemble of Paralympians, adaptive athletes, and entertainers, as revealed by LA28.
“As Los Angeles gets ready to host the city’s first-ever Paralympic Games, the LA28 Paralympic Handover will be a historic moment,” stated LA28 President and Chairperson Casey Wasserman. “We are excited to have the chance to highlight the Paralympics with a cast of allies, artists, and advocates who share our commitment to furthering the Movement when Paris hands the flag over to LA.”
The Paralympians from Paris 2024, Samantha Bosco, Ezra Frech, and Jamal Hill, who all currently live in Los Angeles, will represent Team USA at the Handover Ceremony. Bosco won gold 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—the latter of which he set a new Paralympic record with a jump of 1.94 meters. Hill finished fifth in the men’s 50m freestyle S9 swimming event at Tokyo 2020.
According to Frech, “for people with disabilities, the Paralympic Games coming to Los Angeles for the first time will be one of the most significant moments in history.” “Being a native of Los Angeles, it will undoubtedly rank among the most unforgettable experiences of my life and athletic career. I am eager to share this with my hometown and community.”
Tony Award-winning actress and Broadway star Ali Stroker will perform the American national song live at the Stade de France when the Paralympic flag is transferred to LA28.
Then, against the backdrop of Los Angeles’ famous Venice Beach coastline, the audience will be treated to an interactive musical performance by an acclaimed group that includes jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker, violinist and singer-songwriter Gaelynn Lea, rapper, songwriter, and athlete Garnett Silver-Hall, and performing artist Anderson Paak.
Oscar Loreto Jr., Kanya Sesser, and Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham, three pioneers in the field of wheelchair motocross (WCMX) and adaptive skateboarding, will participate.Paak for his portion of the program.
There will also be an appearance by actress Lauren Ridloff, whose credits include The Walking Dead’s Connie and Marvel’s Makkari.
On September 8, 2024, at 9 p.m. CEST, the Stade de France will host the Closing Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.