Paris 2024 Unveils Olympic and Paralympic Games Vision to Place Sport at Service of Society

By Amelia Fisher-Starzynski, Paris, France: Feb 17, 2016: The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bid Committee has today unveiled its Games vision and concept that will see sport placed at the service of society, while giving the world a celebration reflecting Paris as a city of romance, creativity, innovation and fun. Unveiling details of the Paris 2024 Games plan at the Philharmonie de Paris in front of 500 athletes and senior politicians including Prime Minster Manuel Valls and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, bid leaders promised a ‘new era’ Games with 95% of venues already existing or temporary to minimise required investment, and all with a clear legacy plan.

Unveiling details of the 36 sports venues [clustered in two core zones – the Paris Centre Zone and the Paris – Saint-Denis Zone] that would underpin a Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, bid leaders outlined:

• The use of existing world-class venues such as Tennis at Roland-Garros, Athletics at Stade de France and Basketball at Bercy Arena 1
• Temporary venues in iconic locations such as Equestrian at the Chateau de Versailles, Beach Volleyball at the foot of the Eiffel Tower and Archery at the Esplanade des Invalides
• New legacy venues located in Paris’ younger and fast growing outer ring including the Aquatics Centre, the Media Village and Olympic and Paralympic GamesVillage, which together will deliver essential new housing after the Games

Paris’ highly compact concept, which will ensure 85% of athletes are accommodated within 30 minutes of their competition venue, is linked together by the River Seine with athletes competing and living along its banks. These areas will be a vibrant hub of activity and the concept of sport flowing through the Seine, with a ‘river trail’ of live sites and sponsor activation, will enhance fan engagement and ensure the Seine experience is at the very heartbeat of the Games.

As part of Paris 2024’s Games concept and vision, it is also planning a summer long festival starting on 21 June 2024 – World Music Day – spanning the arts, architecture, cuisine, fashion and music. At Games time four symbolic locations across Paris will host live sites to bring together all these elements as well as broadcast the Games live.

Speaking about Paris’s vision for the Games, Bernard Lapasset, Co-Chairman of Paris 2024 said:

“Our Games vision and concept is underpinned by a real commitment to place sport at the service of society – in Paris, across France and beyond our nation’s physical borders. And Paris, as one of the world’s most iconic and cosmopolitan cities, would provide a unique and stunning backdrop for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games through its historic landmarks and breathtaking venues.

“Imagine athletes competing in the gaze of the Eiffel Tower, world-famous venues such as Roland Garros and the Stade de France being the stage for Olympic glory, and the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean around Marseille welcoming Olympic Sailing. This gives you a sense of what Paris 2024 will be like – an incredible vista for athletes to excel, fans to cheer and viewers around the world to marvel at.”

Tony Estanguet, Co-Chairman of Paris 2024 and three-time Olympic Champion said:

“The fact that 85% of athletes will be within 30 minutes of their competition venues and with 480 training venues within 30 minutes of the Athletes Village, competitors will have optimal conditions to train and perform. And with the Athletes Village being located so close to the River Seine, I am confident that Paris will deliver a unique experience for every competing athlete.

“We are planning a Games for the modern age with 95% of our competition venues already existing or temporary, while every single venue will have a carefully planned, meaningful legacy for their communities. All competition venues were chosen to minimise required investment – that’s why we have focussed on existing venues. Bercy Arena II, sister venue to the world-renowned indoor arena, and a new Aquatics Centre – a much-needed facility neighbouring the Stade de France – are the only sports venues we need to build.

Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris said:

“Paris is embarking on a journey of re-invention to unleash its innovation, radiance and sense of optimism in a rapidly-changing world; our dream to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games reflects a Paris of ambition and drive, and a desire to be defined by the future. New venues and facilities will touch their communities, including the Aquatics Centre, the Media Village and the Olympic and Paralympic Village located in Paris’ younger and fast-growing outer ring. These will deliver essential new sports facilities and 3,500 housing units for local communities after the Games and play a significant role in closing the gap between central Paris and its suburban belt. The opportunity to host the Games in 2024 is a unique opportunity to return Olympism to the heart of our city and make sport truly a way of life for all our citizens.”

Marie-Amelie Le Fur, Paralympian Champion and Co-Chair of the Paris 2024 Athletes Committee said:

“I am sure the athletes will be cheered on by passionate fans as the French people have a love not just for some, but for all Olympic sport – this is something that is deep rooted in French culture.And with a track record hosting a huge variety of sports in the recent past and over the next few years, as well as a population of 12 million, Paris 2024 will deliver packed venues for every single sport across the Games.”

Manuel Valls, Prime Minister of France said:

“Our institutions have been working seamlessly together for many months. Be assured that Paris 2024 has the strong and certain commitment of the city of Paris and of the whole country, its government and its people. Having last hosted the Games in 1924, Paris – birthplace of Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games – is a bridge from the past to the future and France would be honoured to host the Games exactly a century later.”

A full copy of the Paris 2024 vision and concept, including legacy, general infrastructure and country analysis will be available at www.paris2024.org from 17:00 CET on Wednesday 17 February.

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