Saint-Denis, France — 11 days. 23 different sports. Over 1,600 medals awarded. On Sunday evening, the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games came to a close.

Tens of thousands of people packed Stade de France for the closing ceremony, bringing the world together for one last time after Paris has played host to both the Olympics and Paralympics within the last two months.

“After making the whole world dream all summer long, tonight we’re bringing Paris 2024’s extraordinary adventure to a magnificent conclusion,” said Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024. “The closing ceremony at the Stade de France will be as festive as it will be memorable, with some of the greatest artists on the French electronic music scene. For the occasion, we’ll be delighted to welcome back our athletes so that together we can share this last powerful moment with the whole world.”

“The mission has been accomplished,” proclaimed Thomas Jolly, Artistic Director of the Paris 2024 ceremonies. “A century after 1924, Paris has hosted for the first time the Paralympic Games in the most beautiful way. We will tell this story like a waking dream.”

French singer Santa opened the ceremony with a performance of Johnny Hallyday’s Vivre pour le Meilleur (live for the Best) while videos highlighting athletes and spectators throughout the games were displayed on the stadium video boards. The presentation of the French flag and its national anthem followed, with the flags of all the participating nations entering afterward.

After a speech from Estanguet, a presentation of the new members of the International Paralympic Committee Athletes’ Council, a thank you to the volunteers, and the lowering of the Paralympic flag + playing of the anthem, the focus shifted away from the city of Paris. It’s Los Angeles’ turn.

Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, handed off the flag to Karen Bass, mayor of Los Angeles. Bass became the first black woman mayor to receive the Paralympic flag during the closing ceremony. Ali Stroker, the first actress in a wheelchair to appear on Broadway, followed the flag handoff by singing the U.S. national anthem. A film called “California Dreamin’” followed. The film showcased three Paralympic medalists from Team USA: para athlete Ezra French, para swimmer Jamal Hill, and para road cyclist Samantha Bosco. Deaf actress Lauren Ridloff, who played the first-ever deaf superhero in “Marvel’s Eternals”, was also featured.

After the handoff concluded, the Paralympic Flame and cauldron were extinguished, officially bringing the Games to a close. From there, the party started.

Over 20 French artists took center stage as it turned into a dance floor for the Paralympic Athletes and special guests. A light show turned it into a full-fledged disco, only beginning the final night of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Even though the Summer Paralympic torch has officially been passed from Paris to Los Angeles, these games’ impact on the city, country of France, and the rest of the world won’t soon be forgotten.

“These games must not remain a mere enchanted interlude but be the beginning of a new era of inclusion, solidarity, and sharing,” remarked Jolly. “We have shown France for what it is, a moment to humanity, alive and open to the world. It’s now up to everyone to seize this legacy and continue to build a future that reflects these values.”