On the eve of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, IPC President Parsons, wrapped in wisdom and almost like a seer, predicted that this edition would mark a before and after in the history of sports. 

Now, halfway through, Parsons not only reaffirms his prediction but also defends it with great enthusiasm, emphasising the crucial role that the French public has played in this unprecedented experience, which for many is already the "best Paralympics of all time".

Over two million tickets sold, Paris 2024 ranks as the second most successful edition in terms of attendance, second only to London 2012. However, for Parsons, the greatness of these Games does not lie solely in the numbers. 

"What really makes Paris 2024 historic is the passion and energy felt in the stadiums," Parsons stated. "The atmosphere is electrifying, and the athletes can feel it; they have elevated their performance to a level never seen before. This is a special moment for the Paralympic Movement."

From the outset, Paris 2024 promised to be a historic edition. Even before the Games began, records had been broken in media coverage, with 2,000 journalists on-site and more than 225 broadcasters airing the event worldwide. Moreover, the number of competing countries also reached a new high, solidifying Paris 2024 as a global benchmark.

Though what truly distinguishes this edition, according to Parsons, is how Paris has designed its Games. "Placing the venues in the heart of the city, close to such iconic locations, has made the Paralympic Games more accessible to everyone. This was evident at the Opening Ceremony in Place de la Concorde, where Paris literally embraced the Paralympic Movement," he explained.

Numbers do not lie. The data supports this claim: more than 90% of ticket buyers are French, and half of them had never attended a Paralympic event before. This, according to Parsons, is a sign of the lasting impact these Games will have on French society and beyond. "Recently, I attended a blind football match right next to the Eiffel Tower, and the way the audience responded was surprising," he said.

"Spectators remained in reverent silence at key moments, understanding the importance of each movement on the field. That connection reflects a profound shift in the perception of Paralympic sport."

This understanding and respect for Paralympic sport, Parsons believes, is the seed of a legacy that will endure long after the lights go out in Paris. At the Opening Ceremony in the historic Place de la Concorde, Parsons called for a "revolution of inclusion." A call that, accompanied by unprecedented media coverage and growing global interest, promises to drive real and meaningful change in society.

Since his speech at the Opening Ceremony, Parsons' name has resonated worldwide, even ranking among the most popular searches related to the Paralympic Games on Google. Though for him, this recognition holds much deeper significance. 

"It is an honor to serve these athletes. It is the greatest honor of my life. If that makes people interested in what I do and what I have to say, that's great, especially if it means I'm helping to spread the word about our Movement," Parsons concluded. 

With Paris 2024, the Paralympic Movement has reached a new peak in popularity and planted the seeds for a social transformation that could redefine how the world views disability and sport. Los Angeles 2028 are now seeking to follow in the footsteps of the Paris spectacle in 2028.