The Olympics is the greatest and most popular celebration of sport, and the next instalment will be inaugurated right at the heart of Paris. For the first time, the opening ceremony will not take place inside a stadium, but along an iconic landmark.
Paris last hosted the Games in 1924. A century later, the Olympic and Paralympic Games are back for what will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience – widespread celebration, moments of sporting greatness
On 26 July 2024, a truly spectacular Opening Ceremony will mean the eyes of the world are on the city, proudly promoting the values of Olympism. The ambitious project, the result of intensive collaboration between hundreds of stakeholders, will bring joy to Parisians, Île-deFrance residents and tourists alike.
Paris last hosted the Games in 1924. A century later, the Olympic and Paralympic Games are back for what will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience – widespread celebration, moments of sporting greatness, infused with a spirit of togetherness and unity.
For the first time ever, rather than being contained in one stadium, it will take place at the heart of the capital. The athletes will be carried past the grand quays and under the iconic bridges of the Seine in a majestic flotilla of boats – and the ceremony will be accessible to all. Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, was enthusiastic about the upcoming opening ceremony.
‘We have three years to carefully organise this vast celebration, with all the different actors who will be involved,’ Hidalgo said. ‘The Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony will be nothing short of magical. Its staging will be groundbreaking. It will be a ceremony for the people, open to one and all. It will show the world the very best of France. A party like no other and the world is invited!’
This Opening Ceremony will mark the history of the Games. For the first time ever, rather than being contained in one stadium, it will take place at the heart of the capital. The athletes will be carried past the grand quays and under the iconic bridges of the Seine in a majestic flotilla of boats – and the ceremony will be accessible to all.
The choice to launch the Paris Games on the Seine is a bold one and part of a long-term strategy. Building on the opening of the embankments to pedestrians in 2016, the idea is to continue reconnecting Parisians and residents with the river, opening up more opportunities to engage in sport by the water or simply take walks to admire the surroundings.
The Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 will mark the beginning of a new chapter in this story, with swimming in the Seine itself.
Pictures: Supplied
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