The 2024 Summer Paralympics kicked off with a bang Thursday with the opening ceremony in Paris.

Athletes from around the world paraded down the iconic Champs-Elyses avenue to Place de la Concorde, where about 50,000 spectators watched the ceremony from stands built around the historic square in central Paris. It was the first time the Paralympics has held its opening ceremony outdoors.

From Thursday until Sept. 8, more than 4,000 athletes will compete in over 500 medal events across 22 sports in the Paralympic Games.