Just four days before the start of the Paralympic Games , the athletes village was buzzing with activity on Saturday as athletes from delegations were settling into their temporary home, preparing for their upcoming competitions.
The village, nestled in the northern suburbs of Paris , in the Seine-Saint-Denis department, closed its doors on Aug. Laurent Michaud, head of the Paralympic Village, discussed the rapid yet meticulous transformation.
The village had been built with inclusivity in mind from the start, but this final week was crucial for fine-tuning details to ensure that every aspect was perfectly suited to the para-athletes' needs. The village reopened on Aug. Among the most significant adjustments were additional ramps and enhanced lighting throughout the village, making it easier for athletes to navigate, regardless of mobility or visual impairments. Sandy floors and grates that could have posed challenges to wheelchair users were covered with mats.
Motorized devices were also made available for wheelchair users, offering a powered boost that made getting around the village faster and more enjoyable. These quickly became a favorite among the athletes, adding an element of fun to their mobility. One scene that captured this joy involved three athletes from Iran. They were spotted zipping through the main alley leading to the dining hall, with one athlete using the motorized device while the others clung to their companion's shoulders, laughing as they enjoyed the ride.
Ludivine Munos, a former French para-athlete and head of integration for Paris , praised the village's setup, calling it a "paradise" for the para-athletes.
