By Amelia Fisher-Starzynski, Paris, July 5, 2017: The Paris 2024 Bid Committee today expressed delight at the publication of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) positive Evaluation Commission report following their visit to the French capital city in May 2017 (IOC Evaluation Commission report).
The IOC Evaluation Commission report, a technical analysis of the three volumes of the city’s Candidate File, says:
“Paris has all that it takes and more to deliver outstanding Games.
In addition to a nation passionate about sports and Olympic sports in particular, Paris has at its disposal a deeply rooted sports movement, vast experience hosting events for all Olympic sports, and decades of expertise as one of the leading tourist destinations in the world“.
The report also says: “The proposed funding and governance models are sound and fully aligned with the way sport is organised in the country, including a structure that involves the full and enthusiastic participation of public entities at all levels.
Responsibility for delivering the Games and its legacy would be shared by the local organising committee, a Games delivery authority and a legacy delivery entity.”
Below, we have set out extracts from the report which identify many of the qualities of Paris 2024:
• Paris would provide a stunning backdrop for an Olympic and Paralympic Games
• Games concept is aligned with the city / region’s long-term vision and would contribute to accelerating the revitalisation of the River Seine and regeneration in and around Saint-Denis
• Extensive use of world-class existing and temporary venues would reduce the complexity and cost of delivering the venues
• Games Concept would allow for celebration within the historic centre of Paris – temporary venues at iconic, stunning and spectacular locations (e.g. Eiffel Tower)
• In alignment with Olympic Agenda 2020, Paris 2024 makes excellent use of high-quality existing and temporary competition venues• Paris is a world leader in sustainability
• National Government to underwrite the development of the Olympic Village and Media Village
• Paris 2024 leverages technology to enhance athletes’ experience
• An Athletes’ House is the centre of Paris would be the ideal spot for athletes to celebrate the Games… and could provide opportunity for smaller NOCs to celebrate their athletes
• Several training venues within or adjacent to the Olympic Village would simplify transportation
• The Village would feature a visually stunning central dining hall… and provide an exceptional experience
• Existing exhibition space at Le Bourget offers an established facility for the IBC / MPC• MMC within walking distance of planned Media Village and near some key Olympic venues
• The media could expect an excellent and convenient experience in Paris
• Vast accommodation options at all price levels, most within 10 km of the city centre• All venues linked to rail or metro… and many of the sites are within walking distance
• Long-standing commitment to the development of para-sport and the organisation of elite-level competitions for para-athletes provide good foundation for further growth
• Accessible Paralympic Village with low gradients
• The new Aquatics Centre and the Paris Arena II have secured legacies
• Clear plan to increase sports participation
• Contributing to clean-up of the River Seine… and creation of new green spaces and biodiverse habitats
• A network of 16 million volunteers, including 5 million in Olympic sports
• Significant experience and expertise in major event organisation
• The world-class and comprehensive Paris public transport network, mostly underground, serves every proposed Games venue and would support Paris 2024’s objective of 100 per cent of spectators using public transport
• The French Government has committed to provide all security resources and forces necessary to support Paris 2024. These forces are highly effective, professional and capable of protecting the Games
• France has refined and fortified its national security arrangements and capabilities in response to recent threats. Some of these developments were tested during the recent UEFA EURO 2016, without incident
• Budget preparation has been very systematic, methodical and structured and is aligned with operational concept
• Clear venue-use agreements reduce financial and operational risks
• Procedures regarding entry and stay in France are consistent with international best practices and Host City Contract requirements
• Strong public support as well as strong support from local, regional and national governments
• Strong cross-party support Tony Estanguet, Co-Chair of Paris 2024, said:
“We are absolutely delighted that the IOC’s report highlights that Paris would be an excellent host of the 2024 Games and is ready to deliver a wonderful celebration of Olympic sport with real and meaningful legacy.
“We are honoured that Paris’ compact, city-centre Games Plan received extensive praise and that recognition was given to our public engagement programmes and plans to promote the values and the spirit of the Olympic Movement, particularly among young people.
“We are particularly pleased that the IOC recognized that this is an athlete-focused plan and that all athletes, media, and spectators will have a great Games experience in Paris 2024.
“We know that we have the right plan to move forward and we thank Patrick Baumann and the Commission for their excellent work.
“We will use all of the points made in the report to continue to improve our work and we are very much looking forward to presenting our bid to the IOC Members in Lausanne next week.”
Fellow Paris 2024 Co-Chair, Bernard Lapasset, said: “This report confirms that our Games plans are on track and in line with Agenda 2020 and what is needed for great Games in 2024.
“Paris 2024 represents a unified vision of the sports movement, the political stakeholders and the citizens of Paris and France. There is a momentum behind our bid which this report recognises and understands.
“This report is a real boost to our work and we are grateful to the Evaluation Commission for their praise and for their advice.”
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