Paralympian Rob Shaw looks forward to more relaxed and open games after Tokyo

Wheelchair tennis athlete Rob Shaw already has one Paralympic Games under his belt, but it was during a global pandemicand his interaction with others was limited.

In Paris, he's looking forward to the whole experience, including being part of his first opening ceremony celebration.

"In Tokyo, we made the decision not to go [to the opening ceremony] because of COVID," he said.

Shaw, who is from North Bay, Ont., saidhis short time in Paris so far has already been a very different experience from the one he had in Tokyo.

"The big change that I'm already seeing is the sense of relaxation and the emotions are far more positive," he said.

"People are out mingling in the street. People are enjoying dinners and lunches with different athletes from different countries."

Shaw saidthat in Tokyo, athletes were quarantined because of thepandemic and mostly kept to themselves.

Even within Team Canada, he said,he didn't get to interact a lot with athletes who competed in other sports.

Shaw enters the wheelchair tennis competition in Paris ranked eighth in the quad division.

In July, he won the German Open when he defeated Francisco Cayulef of Chile.

Another difference with the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games, when compared to Tokyo, is he'll have his friends and family in the stands to support him.

"It's honestly going to be probably the biggest home crowd I've had in my eight years on tour."

Because he travels so much for competitions Shaw said,it's difficult for his friends and family members to take time off work to see him play. But a large number are making the trip for the Paralympic Games.

Shaw's first match is on Aug. 31.

The opening ceremony starts at 1:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday.