Paris Is Going To Host Its First Olympics In 100 Years
Paris Olympics 2024: 'Games Wide Open' Motto Marks Historic Event
The Paris Olympics 2024, with the motto 'Games wide open,' officially begins on Friday with a grand opening ceremony. This is the first time in 100 years that Paris hosts the Summer Games. Most events will happen around the city's famous landmarks.
Friday’s ceremony features a unique show where boats carry athletes and dignitaries down 6km of the River Seine, with space for 300,000 spectators. Although details are still secret, there's talk about performances by Celine Dion and Lady Gaga. Artistic director Thomas Jolly wants to show France's rich diversity.
This Olympics makes history with equal numbers of male and female athletes, featuring 5,250 men and 5,250 women. As millions prepare to attend, Paris is putting on the final touches to ensure a memorable experience. President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the country's readiness for the Games.
Despite the excitement, some Parisians have shared concerns on social media about problems like overcrowding, high prices, and transportation challenges. A huge security operation involves 5,000 police, soldiers, and hired guards. Residents along the Seine need QR codes to access certain areas due to the ceremony’s security measures, which has caused complaints from local businesses. However, authorities promise to remove barriers after the event.
The Games, costing about 9bn euros (£7.6bn), aim to be the greenest in history. Only two new arenas have been built: an aquatics center and a badminton and rhythmic gymnastics arena. Other events will take place at famous venues like the Stade de France and Roland Garros, as well as historic sites such as the Grand Palais and Place de la Concorde.
Water quality in the Seine, which will host the swimming leg of the triathlon and open-water events, remains a concern. Despite previous bans due to pollution, Mayor Anne Hidalgo swam in the river to show its safety. Regular water testing will ensure compliance with sports standards.
The opening ceremony, starting at 19:30 CET (18:30 BST) on Friday, 26 July, will be the first to take place outside the main athletics stadium. Lasting just under four hours, it includes President Macron’s official opening and the lighting of the Olympic cauldron.
Notable flagbearers include rower Helen Glover and diver Tom Daley for Team GB, tennis player Coco Gauff and basketball legend LeBron James for the United States, and boxer Cindy Ngamba and taekwondo athlete Yahya Al-Ghotany for the refugee team. While Friday marks the official opening, some events, like men’s rugby sevens and football, have already begun.