paralympics opening ceremony: On Wednesday, the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games kicked off with a spectacular Opening Ceremony, and U.S. sitting volleyball star Nicky Nieves led the American delegation as the flag-bearer. For Nieves, a gold medalist from the 2016 Rio Paralympics, the moment was a dream realized.
“I feel like I’m living in my wildest dreams,” Nieves shared, reflecting on the honor of leading the U.S. team down the iconic Champs-Elysees. The ceremony, held at the grand Place de la Concorde, was a dazzling display of fireworks, music, and dance routines, celebrating the spirit of the Paralympic Games.
A Grand Celebration of Overcoming Challenges
The Opening Ceremony was a vibrant celebration of resilience and inclusivity. The event featured a choreographed show where many dancers used crutches, symbolizing the theme of overcoming physical challenges. The highlight of the evening was the lighting of the Paralympic cauldron, a striking golden hot-air balloon that will also be used during the Paris Olympic Games.
The energy and enthusiasm of the crowd were palpable, as athletes like Emma Schieck, a gold medalist from Tokyo 2020, marveled at the experience. “My favorite part was walking our lap around the stadium,” Schieck said. “Seeing a sea of people there to support the Games and knowing that my family and friends were sharing this once-in-a-lifetime experience with me means more than I could ever express.”
Meet the U.S. Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team
The U.S. Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team, led by Head Coach Bill Hamiter, is poised for an exciting competition. The roster includes:
- Nicky Nieves (MB/OH, 5-10, Kissimmee, Fla.)
- Emma Schieck (OH, 5-7, Statesville, N.C.)
- Heather Erickson (OPP, 6-0, Fayetteville, N.C.)
- Katie Holloway Bridge (OH, 6-3, Lake Stevens, Wash.)
- Monique Matthews (MB/OH, 6-0, Ardmore, Okla.)
- Whitney Dosty (OH/OPP, 6-3, Tucson, Ariz.)
- Lexi Shifflett-Patterson (S/L, 5-4, Waseca, Minn.)
- Bethany Zummo (L, 5-3, Dublin, Calif.)
- Tia Edwards (OH/MB, 5-7, Skiatook, Okla.)
- Sydney Satchell (L, 5-2, Windsor, Conn.)
- Kaleo Kanahele Maclay (S, 5-6, Honolulu, Hawaii)
Upcoming Matches and What to Watch For
The U.S. Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team begins their Paralympic journey against China on August 30, with the match scheduled for 12 p.m. Paris time (3 a.m. Pacific time), and will be available for live viewing on Peacock. Following their opening match, the team will face France on September 1, Italy on September 3, and continue through classification matches, semifinals, and ultimately the medal rounds on September 7.
The team’s schedule is as follows:
- Aug. 30: USA vs. China, 12 p.m. Paris time/3 a.m. Pacific time (Peacock)
- Sept. 1: USA vs. France, 8 p.m. Paris time/11 a.m. Pacific time (Peacock)
- Sept. 3: USA vs. Italy, 2 p.m. Paris time/5 a.m. Pacific time (USA and Peacock)
- Sept. 4: Classification matches for 5th/6th and 7th/8th places
- Sept. 5: Semifinals (Peacock)
- Sept. 7: Medal matches (CNBC and Peacock)
A Moment to Remember
As the Paralympic Games unfold, the U.S. delegation, led by Nieves, will be showcasing their skills and resilience on the global stage. The Opening Ceremony set a high bar with its celebration of triumph over adversity, and the performances to come will further highlight the incredible abilities and spirit of the Paralympic athletes.
For fans and supporters, tuning into the matches and cheering for the U.S. team will be a way to be part of this monumental event, celebrating the remarkable achievements of these athletes and their journey through the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
