The Paris 2024 Paralympic Closing Ceremony marked the official start of Los Angeles’ preparations to host the Paralympic Games in 2028. The LA28 Handover featured a vibrant celebration of music, art, and sport, symbolising the city’s commitment to delivering an unforgettable Games.
As the Paralympic flag was passed from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, the handover brought a fusion of cultures, creativity, and sport. The moment was especially significant, as Karen Bass made history as the first Black woman to receive the Paralympic flag during a Closing Ceremony, a notable accomplishment she also achieved during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Alongside Bass was Team USA Paralympian Blake Leeper, an eight-time medallist, who proudly represented his country.
The evening began with a powerful performance by Ali Stroker, the Tony Award-winning actress who uses a wheelchair. Stroker sang the United States national anthem live at the Stade de France in Paris, setting the tone for what would become an unforgettable celebration. “The Paralympic Games allow millions of people with disabilities to see themselves represented on the world’s biggest and most competitive stage in sports,” Stroker said. “I’m thrilled to represent the United States in this moment and elevate the power of embracing your limitations by turning them into opportunities, just like the thousands of Paralympians at the Games.”
After Stroker’s stirring rendition of the national anthem, the spotlight shifted to Los Angeles, as the LA28 Paralympic Handover film showcased the dreams and journeys of several Team USA Paralympians. Samantha Bosco, a two-time bronze medallist and Paris 2024 gold medallist in Para-cycling, shared her story, followed by the inspirational tales of Ezra Frech and Jamal Hill, two athletes who have become local heroes in Los Angeles.
Frech, a two-time gold medallist from Paris 2024, spoke of the significance of the Paralympics coming to his hometown. “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,” he said. “For me, as an LA native, it will absolutely be one of the most memorable moments in my sporting career and life – an experience I cannot wait to share with my hometown and community.”
The LA28 handover was not only a nod to the athletes, but also a celebration of Los Angeles’ rich cultural tapestry. The film featured the iconic Venice Beach coastline, a backdrop to the creative spirit that thrives in the city. Anderson .Paak, the eight-time Grammy Award-winning artist and native Californian, headlined the musical performances, delivering an energetic rendition of his hit song “Come Down” at the Venice Beach skatepark. Reflecting on his involvement, .Paak said, “There’s a lot in common between Paralympic athletes and music artists – work ethic, trust, time, dedication to your craft, exceeding expectations, taking big bets on yourself. The LA28 Handover will amp up this connection while bowing to the spectacular achievements made by Paralympians from around the world.”
A diverse array of adaptive athletes also took centre stage, including skateboarders Oscar Loreto Jr., Kanya Sesser, and Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham. The trio, known for pushing the boundaries of adaptive skateboarding and wheelchair motocross (WCMX), performed awe-inspiring tricks at the Venice Beach skatepark, showcasing the fusion of sport and creativity that defines LA.
The musical performances extended beyond .Paak’s powerful presence. Matthew Whitaker, an acclaimed jazz pianist, and Gaelynn Lea, a violinist and Broadway composer, provided captivating instrumental performances that underscored the event’s message of unity through diversity. Garnett Silver-Hall, a rapper, songwriter, and athlete, contributed a spoken word poetry piece that highlighted the power of perseverance and the shared struggles between athletes and artists alike.
Ben Winston, the Emmy Award-winning executive producer and co-founder of Fulwell 73 Productions, directed the LA28 Handover and emphasised the importance of representation in the lead-up to the 2028 Paralympic Games. “The LA28 Paralympic Handover aims to capture a diverse collection of artistry and voices all set in LA’s unique cultural backdrop,” Winston said. “We’re thrilled to feature a remarkable group of individuals, each with their own incredibly inspiring stories and dreams. We hope the Handover celebration resonates proudly within the Paralympic community while inviting a global audience to take part in the LA28 story.”
