As we're approaching the 33rd edition of the Summer Olympics, we are posting online the article we published in the Autumn 2023 issue of InCompany by Attire Club.The 2024 Paris Olympics are poised to etch an indelible mark in history, promising a spectacle that will linger in the hearts and minds of people worldwide. With the enchanting backdrop of the City of Light, these games will seamlessly blend the rich tapestry of French culture and the electrifying spirit of athletic competition.
The 2024 Summer Olympics, also known as Paris 2024, is the mouth-watering upcoming edition of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is scheduled to occur from July 26 to August 11, 2024. The main host city will be Paris, and there will be 16 additional cities across metropolitan France participating, as well as one city in Tahiti, which is part of French Polynesia.
Paris was chosen as the host city for the 2024 Summer Olympics during the 131st IOC Session in Lima, Peru, on September 13, 2017. The decision was made after several other cities withdrew, leaving only Paris and Los Angeles in the running. In a unique move, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided to award both the 2024 and 2028 Summer Olympics simultaneously. This will be Paris' third time hosting the Summer Olympics, making it the second city, after London, to achieve this feat. The 2024 Games will coincide with the centenary of the 1924 Olympics held in Paris. It will also be the sixth time that France has hosted the Olympic Games, with three editions in the summer and three in the winter. The last Olympic Games held in France were the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville.
This grand event will feature 32 different sports disciplines, with a total of 329 exciting events. Around 10,500 talented athletes from all over the world will participate, while nearly 10 million spectators are expected to attend the games. Additionally, the Olympics will captivate the attention of almost four billion viewers through television broadcasts.
In a historic move, the opening ceremony of Paris 2024 will break away from tradition by not taking place in a stadium. Instead, spectators will have the opportunity to witness the ceremony free of charge along the upper quays of the river in Paris. However, for those seeking a more exclusive experience, stands with paid seats will be available on the lower quays and select bridges throughout the city. The ceremony promises to showcase the grandeur of Paris, with its iconic monuments, bridges, and cultural institutions such as the Notre Dame cathedral, the Louvre, and the renowned Eiffel Tower. Adding to the spectacle, a remarkable fleet of 162 boats will carry the delegations for the parade of nations along a 6 km route, spanning from Pont d'Austerlitz to Trocadero.
There are numerous stories and ideas associated with the French Olympic Games, which contribute to its compelling and captivating nature.
For example, the book vendors who operate along the Seine in Paris are standing their ground and refusing to relocate, despite concerns raised by French authorities regarding security measures for the start of the Olympic Games on the river. Over 100 boats carrying athletes from around the world will gracefully navigate the Seine, passing by iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame cathedral, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. In order to ensure safety, organizers have been requested to limit the number of spectators along the riverbanks to approximately 500,000, necessitating a significant security operation. According to sources cited by the French news agency AFP, the 200 bouquinistes, who form the largest open-air book market in Europe, have expressed their discontent over a recent letter received from the Paris police authority.
Jérôme Callais, the leader of the Paris Booksellers' Cultural Association, representing the majority of bouquinistes, expressed their firm determination to remain in their current location. Callais mentioned that the Seine's official in charge informed them that their presence might obstruct the view during the ceremony. However, he emphasized that the bouquinistes are an important symbol of Paris, having been part of the city for 450 years. Callais finds it somewhat absurd to consider removing them from the landscape, especially when the Olympic Games should be a celebration of Paris itself.
Paris city hall released a statement to provide reassurance and express support for the booksellers, recognizing that their presence contributes to the character and essence of the Seine riverbanks. The city estimated that around 570 book boxes, accounting for 59 percent of the total, would be removed. However, the authorities have offered to cover the costs of dismantling, relocating, and repairing any damaged boxes during the process.
In addition to this scandal that is distinctly French, the more typical corruption scandals have also come to light (it would have been surprising if they hadn't). Furthermore, the International Olympic Committee has declared in a statement that the teams from Russia and Belarus will not be formally invited to take part in the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris due to the aggressive actions of these two countries towards Ukraine. Athletes from these countries will have the opportunity to compete under a flag of neutrality.
In another more entertaining development, the upcoming 2024 Olympics promises to be a truly extravagant affair. Luxury powerhouse LVMH has recently revealed its partnership as an official sponsor for the event, effectively helping the organizers achieve their sponsorship goal of €1.24 billion ($1.37 billion). This collaboration positions LVMH as the sixth prominent domestic sponsor, joining the ranks of Orange, EDF, BPCE, Sanofi, and Carrefour, who are all major players in their respective industries.
The Olympics will have Moet-Hennessy champagne for celebratory moments, with the medals being designed by the renowned Chaumet jewellery brand. Additionally, one of LVMH's prominent fashion labels will be responsible for creating the outfits for the French delegation, while Sephora, the well-known makeup and beauty product chain, will have a presence along the Olympic torch route.
"It will probably be the most-watched show in the history of television, in the history of games," claimed Bernard Arnault regarding the opening ceremony. "
Every Olympic Games edition has a couple of mascots and so do the 2024 French games. The mascots for Paris 2024 are designed in the likeness of the red Phrygian hat and are named Les Phryges (pronounced free-jes). They represent freedom and revolution. The intention behind these mascots was to embody the vision of the organizers and share it with the French people and the world. The Phrygian cap is a symbol of liberty. While some may argue that the mascots lack creativity, they are enjoyable and convey a meaningful message. It is worth noting that there was a minor controversy surrounding the souvenirs featuring the mascots, as many of them were manufactured in China. However, the French authorities have decided to shift more of the manufacturing process to France.
The official slogan for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024: Games Wide Open.For French-speakers, the slogan is "Ouvrons Grand les Jeux." It is a good slogan, but it is a little reminiscent of the Eyes Wide Shut movie.
Besides all this, Paris 2024 has made a commitment to transform the Olympic and Paralympic Games into an unforgettable experience for the public. A dream that was once shared by many has now become a reality. Through the Paris 2024 Mass Participation Marathon, amateur athletes will have the opportunity to run the exact same route as the Olympic marathon, but during the nighttime. This initiative aims to allow as many individuals as possible to follow in the footsteps of exceptional athletes. It will be an extraordinary and unparalleled experience, taking place on a distinctive and original course that celebrates the rich heritage and history of the Paris region and France as a whole.
Despite the immense excitement surrounding the Olympics, a wave of disappointment has swept over many individuals due to the exorbitant prices of tickets for the highly anticipated competitions. While people eagerly anticipate witnessing the pinnacle of athletic prowess and international camaraderie, the staggering cost of entry has left numerous fans disheartened. The steep ticket prices have become a point of contention, as they pose a significant barrier for those who wish to experience the thrill of the Games firsthand. This disparity between enthusiasm and financial accessibility has sparked a debate about the inclusivity and affordability of such a globally celebrated event. As the Olympic spirit continues to captivate hearts worldwide, the issue of ticket affordability remains a pressing concern, prompting discussions on how to ensure that the Games remain accessible to all, regardless of their financial means.
The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics is anticipated to be a spectacular show and the events themselves should be captivating. We can only hope that the Paris Olympics will indeed take place and that it will be a remarkable event, free from scandals and with minimal involvement of politics, although achieving such a goal seems quite challenging in the current times.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
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