As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, the city is buzzing with final preparations and anticipation. Athletes from around the world are arriving, with over 2,000 already in the city and another 12,000 expected from over 200 countries. The opening ceremony, set for July 26, will be a unique event along the Seine River, featuring 206 delegations on 85 boats. This marks the first time in Olympic history that the opening ceremony will take place outside a stadium.French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed the country’s readiness to host the Games, emphasizing their inclusive and sustainable nature. ‘The Paris Olympics will be inclusive and sustainable,’ Macron stated, adding that the ceremony will be ‘unique’. The Games will feature 32 sports with 329 gold medals up for grabs, spread across 35 venues mostly in and around Paris.However, controversies have emerged in the lead-up to the Games. There have been calls from some quarters to ban Israeli athletes from participating due to the ongoing situation in Gaza. French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné has stated that the Israeli delegation will be welcome, emphasizing that France will ensure the safety of all participants under the Olympic flag. Meanwhile, Russian and Belarusian athletes will not be participating in the Games.Security measures are extensive, with the French government deploying 24,000 special forces, 35,000 police officers, and 18,000 soldiers at various locations. The Israeli delegation, in particular, will be protected 24/7 by GIGN military personnel.As the final countdown begins, the mood is electric in the sports world. Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, stated, ‘Now it’s time for the truth: the championship begins for athletes and organizers. Everything is in place, everything is ready… we have reasons to believe we will live unforgettable Olympic moments’. With 10,500 athletes set to compete, the Paris 2024 Olympics are poised to be a monumental event, balancing spectacle with a commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, despite the challenges and controversies that have arisen.
Key points
- The 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony will uniquely take place on the Seine River.
- Controversies have arisen, including calls to ban Israeli athletes and the non-participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes.
- Extensive security measures are in place, with thousands of police and military personnel deployed.
Contradictions👾While some French deputies oppose Israeli athletes’ participation, the French Foreign Minister has stated that the Israeli delegation will be welcome.
