The UK’s first ever official fan zones for the Paralympic Games open to the public on 28 August as 215 ParalympicsGB athletes arrive in France to compete in Paris 2024.

Five cities – London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Bristol and Southampton – are hosting six fan zones which are open daily for the 11 days of the Paralympics.

Each zone is free to enter and includes a big screen where sports fans and families can watch all the live action, enjoy the sporting drama as it unfolds, soak up the ambience and meet Paralympians from previous Games.

The fan zone will be officially opened by ParalympicsGB gold medallists Danielle Brown MBE (para archery) and Kylie Grimes (wheelchair rugby) at 12noon on 28 August.

Danielle won gold medals in Beijing 2022 and London 2012. Kylie became the first woman ever to win a Paralympic Gold medal in wheelchair rugby when GB beat USA in the final at Tokyo 2020.

There will be ample space close to the big viewing screen for wheelchair users which will also be fitted with infrared receivers.

ParalympicsGB CEO David Clarke said: “I’m absolutely delighted that fans and supporters will have the chance to come together, watch and enjoy the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games at a number of fan zones across the country – and of course celebrate the achievements of ParalympicsGB athletes.

“The fan zones, along with the opportunities to have a go at a variety of Paralympic sports, present the public with a unique chance to really embrace these Games and all that Paralympic sport can offer.”

Ocean Outdoor head of brand partnerships Rachel Sutton said: “By presenting a diverse range of sports which people might not otherwise have the opportunity to try, our goal is to make sports and physical exercise as accessible as possible to people of all abilities. If we happen to inspire some future Paralympians along the way, even better.”

Sam Cotton, head of asset management at Battersea Power Station Development Company, said: “We are delighted to be the flagship London fan zone for the Paris 2024 Paralympics. As part of the regeneration of Battersea Power Station, accessibility to this new riverside destination has been a key priority. Our aim has always been to make it a vibrant destination that can be enjoyed by everyone and we look forward to welcoming visitors to the ParalympicsGB fan zone in the coming weeks.”
Inclusive sport activities

Located in Power Station Park next to the London landmark and River Thames, the accessible outdoor space will accommodate two social impact initiatives and six national governing bodies (NGBs), which encourage and provide inclusive sports and physical activities for people with a range of disabilities.

Every Body Moves will host a marquee event with Come and Try sessions hosted by local Every Body Moves clubs for fan zone visitors. This is available on 31 August.

Get Set has invited pupils from local special education and mainstream schools to try a range of “Path to Paris” activities as facilitated sessions. Taking place on 6 September, they will be joined by ParalympicsGB table tennis player Ashley Facey, a two time Paralympian (Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020).

The NGBs offering ‘Have a Go’ sports activities include:

Boccia UK – a target sport using soft leather balls. This activity is available on 28 August and 6 September.
British Fencing – an opportunity to have a go at another ParalympicsGB gold medal winning discipline wheelchair fencing (available 28 – 30 August).
Goalball UK – Teams of three throw a ball (with bells inside) down a tactile court trying to score a goal, with the opposition team using their bodies to block the ball. Everyone is blindfolded during the game (available 28 – 30 August).
British Cycling – will provide accessible bicycles and trikes to try out a popular discipline which bagged ParalympicsGB 24 medals at the Tokyo Games (available 30 – 31 August and 6 – 7 September).
England Athletics – activities will include wheelchair racing, along with fundamental movement activities – running, jumping and throwing (available 30 August – 1 September).
British Rowing – two rowing machines will be available for come and try sessions (1 – 3 September).

Battersea Power Station, which is home to more than 140 shops, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues, offers blue badge parking, accessible toilets, a Changing Places facility, BSL interpreting, sensory packs, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme, manual wheelchairs which can be borrowed and electric scooters for hire.

Visitors with access needs can also sign up to the WelcomMe app for free to let Battersea Power Station’s Guest Services team know when they will be visiting so they can be on hand to assist where needed.

Further information about Battersea Power Station’s accessibility offering can be found here.

Battersea Power Station photo credit: Charlie-Round-Turner