The countdown to the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris is officially underway, with organizers assuring that the French capital is ready to host athletes and spectators from around the globe. Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, expressed confidence during a recent press conference.
\"We are ready as we head into the final phase,\" Estanguet said. \"For as long as the closing ceremony hasn't finished, we need to remain vigilant. But today we are exactly where we would have dreamed of being a few years ago.\"
The much-anticipated opening ceremony is set to take place on next Friday along the scenic River Seine, marking the first time the event will be held outside the main stadium. This unique setting will see 6,000-7,000 athletes sail down the Seine on 85 barges and boats, creating a vibrant and dynamic spectacle.
Estanguet highlighted the positive weather forecasts, stating, \"All the predictions are very positive for the weather on next Friday. So, you can be confident it will be a great moment of celebration.\"
In a demonstration of the Seine's water quality, both Estanguet and Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, swam in the river last week. \"All the indicators for the Seine are positive at this stage,\" he added.
The opening ceremony is expected to draw a massive audience, with approximately 300,000 spectators set to watch from stands and riverbanks, and another 200,000 viewing from overlooking apartments. \"We've always tried to maintain as high a level of ambition as possible so that these Games make France shine,\" Estanguet remarked.
Ensuring the safety of such a large event, around 45,000 members of the French security forces will be on duty during the opening ceremony. Estanguet emphasized that \"security was the number one priority for Paris 2024,\" stating, \"There's a balance to be found between top security, which is absolutely the priority. It's part of the objective to guarantee the security and to propose a fantastic celebration of the Games… But to have this kind of unique celebration, you also need to have a very, very strong security plan. And that's the case.\"
With just about 4,000 tickets remaining for the opening ceremony, Paris is leaving little room for last-minute attendees eager to witness this historic event. As the city finalizes preparations, the world watches in anticipation of what promises to be a memorable beginning to the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Reference(s):
'Paris is ready' for 2024 Summer Olympic Games, organizers say
cgtn.com