It’s an Olympic and Paralympic year, and Olympic City USA is keeping the celebrations going. The Olympics delivered some historical moments in July. Now it’s the Paralympics’ turn from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8. Paris remains the host, but the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum (USOPM) is ground zero for experiencing the spirit and excitement of the Games in Colorado Springs as its Paris Summer Fest Celebration continues.
“The Paralympic Games are a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit,” said Marisa Wigglesworth, CEO of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. “We’re thrilled to offer visitors a communal experience in viewing these incredible competitions with like-minded fans, together celebrating the legacy and stories of the athletes who inspire us all.”
The ongoing Paris Summer Fest offers guests opportunities to meet Paralympic athletes, enjoy live coverage of the Games on the 40-foot LED wall in the museum’s Atrium, order food from the Flame Café to be delivered to their table, and experience daily artifact demonstrations that bring the rich history of the Paralympic Games to life.
Colorado Springs is well represented at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, so be sure to watch and cheer for these hometown members of Team USA.
2024 Paralympics Athletes from Colorado Springs
Hailey Danz, Para Triahlon (PTS2)
A two-time Paralympic silver medalist (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020), Hailey Danz comes to Paris for her third Paralympic Games. After battling bone cancer for two years, Danz chose to have her leg amputated as a 14-year-old in order to get back to an active lifestyle.
Elizabeth Marks, Para Swimming (S6)
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Marks is a five-time Paralympic medalist with two gold, one silver and two bronze medals from Tokyo 2020 and Rio 2016. Don’t miss this excellent profile of Marks from our archives as she prepared for her first Paralympic Games.
Jack O’Neil, Para Swimming (S9)
Growing up in the Springs, Jack O’Neil competed for the Pikes Peak Athletics swim club, as his high school didn’t field a team. He is currently a rising senior at the University of Wyoming headed for his first Paralympic Games. He was the first athlete with a disability in Illinois and Colorado to qualify for state swim meets under able-bodied time standards.
Josh O’Neill, Wheelchair Rugby
Josh O’Neill followed the family path of racing cars until he was paralyzed in an accident at age 16. He holds a silver medal from the 2022 World Championships, but this is his first Paralympic Games.
Melissa Stockwell, Paratriathlon (PTS2)
Melissa Stockwell is the first female American soldier in history to lose a limb in active combat after her vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2004. Four years later, she became the first Iraq War veteran to qualify for the Paralympic Games, competing in swimming at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics. This will be her fourth Paralympic Games. She holds a bronze medal in paratriathlon from Rio 2016.
Here’s a list of all the Paralympic events, festivals and things to do to Celebrate the 2024 Paralympics.
Paris 2024 Paralympics Opening Ceremony
Aug. 28, 12-3 p.m.
The action kicks off with an Opening Ceremony watch party in the museum’s atrium. Guests can enjoy live coverage of the 2024 Paris Games Opening Ceremony on the USOPM’s 40-foot LED wall. Don’t miss the convenience of mobile ordering your snack or meal from the Flame Café.
Artifact demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. will highlight various Paralympic memorabilia, focusing on the achievements and milestones of athletes across different sports.
Paralympic Day Celebration
Aug. 31, all day
This all-day celebration captures the excitement of the Games and the impact of the Paralympic movement. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., meet Paralympic athletes Noah Elliott (2018, 2022 snowboarding) and Ashley Nashleanas (2004 swimming). Then meet Paralympian Billy Lister (2016 track and field) from 12 to 2 p.m.
Participate in wheelchair basketball on the plaza from 12 to 2 p.m., courtesy of the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region. The YMCA will also have a table inside the museum where you can learn about their programs and ways to get involved.
The Pikes Peak Library District Bookmobile will also be at the museum, hosting a book reading and Paralympic-themed crafts from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Artifact demonstrations will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring Paralympic memorabilia that underscores the achievements of athletes across various sports.
Live coverage of the Paralympic Games will be shown all day long on the LED wall, so you can follow the competitions in real time.
Live Paralympic-Themed Painting
Sept. 6, all day
Witness local artist and Olympic City USA Task Force Co-Chair Bernard Sandoval as he creates a new Paralympic-themed painting throughout the day. The work will bring art and sports together in a powerful tribute.
You can also meet Mike Tagliapietra (2016 Paralympian, shooting) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Touch-a-Truck with Colorado Springs Fire Department
Sept. 7, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Kids can explore a real fire engine and meet the Colorado Springs Fire Department firefighters who protect our community.
Meet Paralympic athlete Mike Tagliapietra (2016 shooting) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Then connect with McClain Hermes (2016, 2022 Paralympian, swimming) from 1 to 3 p.m.
2024 Paralympics Closing Ceremony
Sept. 8, 12-3 p.m.
Here’s one last chance to celebrate the Games together. The Paris Paralympic Games conclude with a Closing Ceremony watch party in the USOPM Atrium.
Meet Noah Elliott (2018, 2022 Paralympian, snowboarding) and learn his story from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
And artifact demonstrations will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., highlighting a range of Paralympic memorabilia that showcases the perseverance and accomplishments of Paralympic athletes.
You can find all the details at usopm.org/summerfest. Please note that an admission ticket is required for the events.
Don’t Miss “1924: Return to Paris” Exhibit at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum.
The city of Paris has long been synonymous with the Olympic Games. And the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games mark the 100-year anniversary of the Paris 1924 Games. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum’s “Return to Paris: 1924 | 2024” commemorates the noteworthy milestone. You can read more about it here.
How to Visit the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum and Training Center
An Olympic and Paralympic year is an especially exciting time to celebrate in Olympic City USA. But it’s always fascinating to explore the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center. Get insights on what to expect in our article Inside the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum. And find out how to double your Team USA experience in Podium Package Is the Best Way to Experience Olympic City USA.
