LA28 unveiled Wednesday afternoon a dynamic lineup of musicians, artists and athletes who will participate in LA28’s Paralympic Handover celebration during the Paris 2024 Closing Ceremony on September 8. Tony Award-winning actress and Broadway star Ali Stroker, eight-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist Anderson .Paak, acclaimed jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker and Broadway violinist and composer Gaelynn Lea will join Team USA Paralympians and Los Angeles natives Samantha Bosco, Ezra Frech and Jamal Hill for the handover.
“LA28’s Paralympic handover will be a historic moment as Los Angeles prepares to host the first Paralympic Games in the city’s history,” said Casey Wasserman, President of LA28. ”As Paris delivers the flag to Los Angeles, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to highlight the Paralympics with a cast of allies, artists and advocates who share our commitment to advancing the Movement.”
Once the Paralympic flag passes to Los Angeles, acclaimed performing artist Ali Stroker will kick off the Handover by singing the U.S. national anthem live at the Stade de France during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Closing Ceremony.
STROKER’S EMOTIONAL WORDS
“The Paralympic Games allow millions of people with disabilities to see themselves represented on the world’s largest and most competitive sporting stage,” said Stroker. “I have had many incredible roles in my life, from Broadway performer to actor to author to advocate for the disabled. Today, I am thrilled to play a role in the Paralympic Movement, alongside LA28, and represent the United States with the national anthem at the Closing Ceremony. At this moment, my hope is to elevate the power of embracing your limitations by turning them into opportunities, just like the thousands of Paralympians representing their country at the Games.”
Following Stroker’s performance in Paris, the Los Angeles 28th Paralympic Games installment will focus on music and movement, highlighting Paralympic and adaptive sports against the backdrop of the iconic Venice Beach waterfront. A cast that includes acclaimed jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker and violinist and singer-songwriter Gaelynn Lea and rapper, songwriter and athlete Garnett Silver-Hall will kick off the celebration that will also feature global superstar Anderson .Paak in an interactive musical performance.
“I am honored to be a part of the handover celebration and to welcome the Paralympic Games to my home state of California,” said .Paak. “There is a lot in common between Paralympic athletes and musical artists: work ethic, confidence, time, dedication to your craft, exceeding expectations, betting big on yourself.” LA28 Handover will amplify this connection while paying tribute to the spectacular achievements made by Paralympians from around the world in Paris and Los Angeles.”
THE WALKING DEAD’ AND ‘ETERNALS’ WILL BE PRESENT
.Paak will be joined by adapted skaters who have propelled the world of adapted skateboarding and wheelchair motocross (WCMX), including Oscar Loreto Jr, Kanya Sesser and Aaron ‘Wheelz’ Fotheringham. Actress Lauren Ridloff, from ‘The Walking Dead’ and Marvel’s ‘Eternals,’ will also be in attendance.
Team USA will be represented by Paralympic athletes from Los Angeles, including para-cyclist, two-time bronze medalist and Paris 2024 gold medalist Samantha Bosco, track and field athlete and two-time Paris 2024 gold medalist Ezra Frech and swimmer and bronze medalist Jamal Hill, who will also play a central role in the narration of the LA28 Paralympic installment.
“The Paralympics coming to Los Angeles for the first time will be one of the most significant moments in history for people with disabilities,” said Frech. “For me, as a Los Angeles native, it will absolutely be one of the most memorable moments of my athletic career and my life, an experience I can’t wait to share with my hometown and my community.”
