French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach and Paris 2024 head Tony Estanguet at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Tuesday. With the much-anticipated Paris 2024 Olympics slated to kick off on July 26, the meeting underscored France’s commitment to hosting a successful and impactful Games.
The leaders discussed their shared dedication to upholding the Olympic truce—a tradition promoting peace and unity during the Games. They also explored how sports can contribute to sustainable development goals, highlighting the Olympics’ role in fostering global cooperation and environmental responsibility.
Another key point on the agenda was the potential final attribution of the 2030 Olympic Winter Games to the French Alps, a move that could bring the winter spectacle back to France and boost regional development.
Earlier in the day, Bach visited France’s National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance (INSEP), a premier training center for international athletes. The INSEP has been instrumental in France’s Olympic success, with 50 percent of the country’s Olympic medals won by athletes who have trained there.
During his visit, Bach observed training sessions and interacted with athletes, expressing his confidence in France’s preparations. “Everything is ready. The Organizing Committee is doing a great job under the leadership of my dear friend Tony Estanguet. So everything is prepared. What we could see there today, the French team, which is also very important for the success of the Games under the leadership of David Lappartient, is in good shape,” he remarked.
As the countdown to Paris 2024 continues, the collaborative efforts of French leadership and the IOC signal a promising and unifying Olympic Games on the horizon.
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French President Macron meets IOC boss Bach at Elysee Palace in Paris
cgtn.com
