Paris 2024 on final straight as the world gathers in France for the Olympic Games
The Paris 2024 Organising Committee outlined to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board (EB) today its final stages of readiness, with France already beginning to welcome the world for this summer’s Olympic Games.
Having been elected as host just over 2,500 days ago in Lima, Peru, Paris 2024 reported that it is on the final straight. Nearly half of all National Olympic Committees are now in Paris, with 2,000 athletes already living in the Olympic Village, and training for 17 sports and disciplines underway – the first competitions are scheduled for 24 July, two days before the Opening Ceremony.
Speaking about his experience in Paris so far, IOC President Thomas Bach said: “The preparations are going very well. The stage is set. We have an Organising Committee that remains vigilant, which does not ignore any challenges, which you always rely on when you organise the most complex event in this world. This gives us great confidence.”
You can also feel, see, hear the excitement growing, not only in Paris but all of France. More than six million people lined the streets of France to watch the Olympic flame. What commitment… Everybody is excited about the Games and longing for the moment it finally starts. We can also see this at the Chef de Mission meeting – no questions about Paris… just happiness about the quality of the (Olympic) Village and confidence in the success of the Games.
He continued: “You can also feel, see, hear the excitement growing, not only in Paris but all of France. More than six million people lined the streets of France to watch the Olympic flame. What commitment… Everybody is excited about the Games and longing for the moment it finally starts. We can also see this at the Chef de Mission meeting – no questions about Paris… just happiness about the quality of the (Olympic) Village and confidence in the success of the Games.”
The excitement is further illustrated by ticket sales, with the Organising Committee sharing that over 8.8 million tickets have been sold so far. In addition, engagement has also been high throughout the duration of the Olympic Torch Relay. France Television data showed impressive viewership figures, with an average of three million viewers watching the Olympic flame make its way across Paris on 14 July, and peaks of four-and-a-half million viewers.
Another indication of readiness is the growing media presence in Paris, with 5,000 media professionals at the International Broadcast Centre (IBC) and 1,500 in the Main Press Centre (MPC).
Michel Cadot, Interministerial Delegate for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, was in attendance and confirmed that all venues have been delivered on time and on budget, which remained balanced, and security measures are robust and effective. This was supported by Prefect of Police Laurent Nuñez, also present, who explained that security systems are operational, with between 30,000 to 45,000 personnel working daily to ensure safety. Nuñez cited the Olympic Torch Relay stage in Paris as a successful example, with around 450,000 people out on the streets of the French capital to see the flame between 14 and 15 July, demonstrating a subtle balance between celebration and security, which sets a positive tone for the upcoming Games.
Speaking to the IOC EB, Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet said: “We have done our best to deliver our vision of spectacular, responsible and engaging Olympic Games. Today, this vision is being fulfilled, for example with venues in the heart of the city, transforming Paris and its most iconic locations into an unprecedented playground for sports. In addition, our commitment to social responsibility has been demonstrated through a significant reduction in carbon emissions (half compared to the London 2012 and Rio 2016). Through our collaboration with the IOC and International Federations we have also ensured Paris 2024 will be the first-ever gender equal Games.”
He concluded: “The impetus given to the clean-up of the Seine for the people of Paris is another important legacy. An Olympic Games Opening Ceremony outside a stadium for the first time will allow us to show the world our ambition for the Games. With six days to go, the Paris 2024 teams are in the final straight. Enthusiasm is growing across the country as the world descends on France.”