The Olympic Village of the 2024 Summer Games in Paris officially opened on Thursday, welcoming its first athletes. Delegations from Australia, Brazil, Argentina, and Kenya were among the first to arrive, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter as the world gears up for the upcoming Olympic Games.
Located in the northern part of Paris, the expansive village spans approximately 54 hectares (about 540,000 square meters). At its peak, it will accommodate nearly 14,500 people, including 9,000 athletes, providing them with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities.
The opening ceremony was graced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and IOC Coordination Commission Chair Pierre-Olivier Beckers-Vieujant.
“Finally, we are here. It has been a long journey these seven years, but it has been a hugely rewarding one,” Bach remarked during the ceremony. “We have a wonderful Olympic Village, and all the ingredients for a great Olympic Games are here.”
He added, “The venues are not only breathtaking; they are of the highest standard. You feel how the enthusiasm in France is growing, and I hope you have the same feeling.”
The village boasts around 80 buildings, featuring a 3,200-seat dining hall offering cuisine from around the world, a 24-hour fitness center, a 3,500-square-meter polyclinic, a multi-faith center, and a mini-market. These facilities aim to provide athletes and staff with a comfortable and supportive environment.
“It’s a village that was built by athletes, for athletes,” said Laurent Michaud, director of the village. “We’ve been able to provide all these services in an optimal way so that the athletes have only one thing to do, and that is to focus on their competitions.”
The 2024 Olympic Games are scheduled to begin on July 26 and conclude on August 11. Approximately 10,500 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees representing countries and regions around the world, along with the IOC Refugee Olympic Team, will compete in 329 events across 32 sports.
The official opening of the Olympic Village marks a significant milestone in the journey towards the Paris 2024 Games, igniting excitement among athletes, fans, and participating nations alike. As delegations continue to arrive, the village will become a vibrant hub of cultural exchange and athletic excellence.
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2024 Paris Olympic Village officially opens to welcome first athletes
cgtn.com
