How the Paris 2024 Village was transformed for the Paralympians with accessibility in mind

Just four days before the start of the Paralympic Games, the Athletes Village was abuzz on Saturday as athletes from 168 delegations settled into their temporary home in preparation for the upcoming competition.

The town, located on the northern outskirts of Paris in the Seine-Saint-Denis department, closed its doors on August 13 after the end of the Olympic Games, giving organizers a week to make the necessary changes before the upcoming Paralympic Games.

Laurent Michaud, head of the Paralympic Village, discussed the rapid but meticulous transformation. The Village was built with inclusiveness in mind from the start, but this past week has been crucial for fine-tuning the details to ensure every aspect is perfectly tailored to the needs of the Paralympians.

“All roads, pavements and access points are fully accessible to people with reduced mobility. It is a 100% accessible village,” he explained.

The village reopened on August 21, adapted to the specific needs of the 4,400 Paralympians.

Among the most significant changes were additional ramps and improved lighting throughout the village, making it easier for athletes to move around, regardless of their mobility or vision. Sand floors and grids that could pose a challenge for wheelchair users were covered with mats. Electric powered machines were also made available to wheelchair users, providing assistance that made moving around the village faster and more enjoyable. They quickly became the athletes’ favourite devices, adding a fun element to their mobility. One scene that captured this joy involved three athletes from Iran. They were spotted riding down the main aisle leading to the dining hall, with one athlete using the electric powered machine while the others held on to their partner’s arms, laughing and enjoying the ride.

Ludivine Munos, a former French Paralympian and head of integration for the Paris 2024 Games, praised the organization of the village, calling it a “paradise” for Paralympians.

“The goal was to provide athletes with the best possible experience during their stay, ensuring they could focus solely on their achievements without worrying about accessibility issues,” Munos said.

Smaller changes have also been made to improve everyday life. In the dining room, tables have been moved apart to make wheelchair access easier, and some chairs have been removed to create a more open layout.

Philipp Wurz, head of food and beverage, highlighted these subtle but important changes. Products in the fridges were displayed on all shelves to ensure easy access for wheelchair users or short athletes. Volunteers were also on hand to help athletes who needed help carrying their trays. For those who wanted to carry them on their laps, a thin layer of rubber was added to prevent food from slipping.

In the living areas, electrical outlets were installed at 45 cm (17 in) from the ground, eliminating the need for wheelchair users to strain by reaching down. In the bathrooms, grab bars were strategically placed—one securely attached to the wall and the other with suction cups, providing flexibility based on need.

“The smallest details can make significant improvements for Paralympians,” Wurz noted.

In addition to these practical amenities, Paralympians can also make use of a range of services, including a bakery, massage parlour, grocery store, 24-hour gym, hair and beauty salon and a free clinic – all available within the village.

The Paralympic Games will begin on August 28 and end on September 8.