The International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, Thomas Bach, announced on Wednesday that Paris is fully prepared to host the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. Speaking at a meeting of the IOC's executive board, Bach emphasized Paris's alignment with the Olympic agenda and various reforms.
\"Paris is not only on track to deliver the first ever Olympic Games aligned with our Olympic agenda and reforms, but they are ready, they are set,\" Bach stated.
The upcoming Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, will feature approximately 10,500 athletes from 206 countries and regions competing in 329 events across 32 sports. In a groundbreaking move, the opening ceremony will take place on the River Seine, showcasing a floating parade of athletes instead of the traditional main stadium venue.
Reflecting on past events, Bach shared, \"We had an opening ceremony in the open in 2018 at the Youth Olympic Games, and this worked extremely well. We had hundreds of thousands of people there in the main avenue in Buenos Aires, around the obelisk, and there was great emotion.\"
Bach further elaborated on the innovative idea, recounting a conversation with Tony Estanguet, head of the Paris 2024 organizing committee. \"I turned to Tony Estanguet and said I could imagine this in Paris. Tony said it would be very difficult. We kept talking and came back to the idea from time to time. And then Tony said, you know, I need to first consult security and the authorities, but I think it's really a good idea.\"
The floating opening ceremony is set to bring a unique and immersive experience to both athletes and spectators, highlighting Paris's commitment to sustainability and innovation in hosting the Games.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
