When does the Paralympics end? Date and UK time of 2021 Games closing ceremony, theme - and how to watch on TV

The Paralympic Games kicked off in style on Tuesday 24 August, after the Olympic Games wrapped up on Sunday 8 August.

This is everything you need to know about the Paralympic Games closing ceremony, including how to watch and the UK time it’s taking place.

When do the Paralympics end?

After starting on 24 August, the Paralympic Games are set to end on Sunday 5 September.

The closing ceremony will take place in the same venue as the opening ceremony, which is the Olympic Stadium.

The reason that the Paralympic Games are not run in conjunction with the Olympic Games is because the two games are the first and second largest sporting events in the world.

Considering the staff, volunteers, accommodation, transportation, athletes and overall scheduling that is needed to host the two events, it would be “nearly impossible for one city to host both the Olympic and Paralympic Games simultaneously”, according to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

Under agreement between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the IPC, it was decided that the Paralympic Games will always be held following the Olympic Games in the same host city.

How can I watch the closing ceremony?

The closing ceremony will take place on the final day of the Paralympic Games, which is Sunday 5 September.

You’ll be able to watch the closing ceremony, which will run from 11am to 3pm (UK time), via Channel 4.

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games closing ceremony will be shown live from Tokyo, and will be presented by Ade Adepitan and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson.

Adepitan has competed as a professional wheelchair basketball player, and Baroness Grey-Thompson has competed in five Paralympic Games, winning 11 gold medals.

What are the concepts for the Paralympic ceremonies?

The opening ceremony for the 2020 Paralympic Games was titled “We Have Wings”, and welcomed athletes from over 160 countries to the Games in Tokyo, making the city the first to have hosted the event twice.

In regards to the opening ceremony theme, Tokyo 2020 organisers said: “Paralympic athletes know that no matter which way the wind blows, its power can be harnessed to move forward.

“They know that by being brave and spreading their wings, they can reach extraordinary heights.”

The theme of the closing ceremony has been announced to be “Harmonious Cacophony”.

Regarding the closing ceremony theme of “Harmonious Cacophony”, the organisers said: “A world inspired by the Paralympics, one where differences shine.

“In this world, diverse bodies, unique technologies, and different materials all come together as a harmonious and colourful whole, not as a single blended colour, but each one shining as they are.

“What seems at first like the start of a cacophony is actually the birth of a new harmony. Because differences do not create conflict, but give rise to a new future.”

Will the I’mPOSSIBLE award be part of the closing ceremony?

According to Inside The Games, the I’mPOSSIBLE award has been confirmed to make an appearance during the Paralympic closing ceremony.

In the latest daily press conference at the Games, IPC spokesman Craig Spence said: “It’s going to be a one-off award.

“Beyond the I’mPOSSIBLE award on Sunday, this will not be in place for Beijing.

“Going forward, we will expand this as far and wide as possible for tomorrow’s generation and educate them on Paralympic values and vision.”

Further details of the award and the closing ceremony are still being kept under wraps, but Spence did confirm that I’mPOSSIBLE would be integrated into the organisation of future Games.

He said: “We work with future Organising Committees to ensure that I’mPOSSIBLE is aligned with their education programmes.”

Two Paralympians, one male and one female, are set to receive an award each in recognition of their contributions to inclusion through Para-sport.

Three schools, two in Japan and one from overseas, will also be recognised with the I’mPOSSIBLE award.

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