France’s ambassador for sport has said authorities want the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris to be wide open, French media reported.
Speaking to reporters during a joint press visit with the EU Delegation to Turkey organised by the French Foreign Ministry for work in Paris, which is preparing to host 16 million tourists, Samuel Ducroquet said they would take the highest precautions against the risk of terrorism.
The 33rd Summer Olympics will be held in Paris from 26 July to 11 August. On opening day, boats carrying 15,000 athletes will leave from under the Tolbiac Bridge and travel 6.2 kilometres (3.7 miles) along the Seine River to the Eiffel Tower and the Bridge of the Genesee.
Ducroquet said that “about 120 heads of state and government are expected on 26 July.” He added that 24,000 special forces, 35,000 police and 18,000 soldiers will be on duty:
“As the president said recently, Paris will be the safest place in France on the opening day of the ceremonies.”
Speaking about the protection of heads of state and high-ranking officials travelling to Paris, Ducroquet stressed that host countries are responsible for politicians attending events. He said they will conduct a threat assessment and do what is necessary.
According to Ducroquet, there will be only 320,000 spectators in the area of the opening ceremonies, and an app with QR codes will be used to control entrances and exits.
Emphasising that sustainability is also a priority for the Olympic Games, Ducroquet said that 95 per cent of the facilities that will be used are existing venues. He noted that the Olympic Village, made up of low-carbon, eco-friendly buildings, is a role model through the use of renewable energy and zero-waste policies, and will be used as housing and offices after the games are over.
Emphasising that the pollution in the Seine River has been cleaned up by 75 per cent, Ducroquet said that after the Games in Paris, there will be some swimming areas left on the banks of the river.
On President Emmanuel Macron’s pledge to swim in the Seine to show that the river is clean, Ducroquet said:
“He said he would. I trust he will, but we don’t know yet when. I’m sure that if he goes, he will be accompanied by quite few other volunteers.”
Ducroquet said the medal-winning athletes will be able to take a piece of Paris away with them, and small pieces of the Eiffel Tower will be placed in gold, silver and bronze medals.
