Paris stands ready to host the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, according to Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee. During a press conference on Sunday, Estanguet expressed confidence in the city’s preparations as it enters the final phase before the Games commence.
“We are ready as we head into the final phase,” Estanguet told reporters. “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.”
In response to a question from Greg Laffradi of CGTN Sports Scene, Estanguet shared his optimism about the upcoming opening ceremony, which is set to be a significant celebration. “All the predictions are very positive for the weather on next Friday,” he said. “So, you can be confident it will be a great moment of celebration.”
The opening ceremony, scheduled for Friday, will be uniquely held on the River Seine, marking the first time a Summer Olympic opening ceremony takes place outside the main stadium. The Seine will also host the outdoor Olympic swimming events.
“All the indicators for the Seine are positive at this stage,” Estanguet added, highlighting efforts to ensure the river’s water quality. To demonstrate this, both he and Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, swam in the river last week.
Approximately 6,000 to 7,000 athletes will participate in the opening ceremony by sailing down the Seine on 85 barges and boats. An estimated 300,000 spectators are expected to watch the parade from stands and riverbanks, with an additional 200,000 viewing from nearby apartments.
Estanguet emphasized the ambition behind the Games, aiming to showcase France on the global stage. “We’ve always tried to maintain as high a level of ambition as possible so that these Games make France shine,” he said. He also noted that about 4,000 tickets for the opening ceremony are still available for those wishing to witness the historic event.
Security measures are a significant focus, with around 45,000 members of the French security forces set to be on duty during the opening ceremony. Estanguet reaffirmed that security is the top priority for Paris 2024. “There’s a balance to be found between top security, which is absolutely the priority,” he stated. “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.”
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'Paris is ready' for 2024 Summer Olympic Games, organizers say
cgtn.com
