Paris Prepares for the Paralympics: A Continuation of the Olympic Spirit
As Paris transitions from the Olympic Games to the forthcoming Paralympic Games, the city is diligently preparing to host this significant event, scheduled from August 28 to September 8 this summer. Following the conclusion of the Olympics, Paris is experiencing a period of preparation and excitement as organizers set the stage for various sports, including wheelchair rugby and para athletics.
In the vibrant heart of Paris, the Place de la Concorde has been abuzz with construction activity since the Olympics concluded on August 11. This historic square, which showcased events such as skateboarding, breaking, and 3×3 basketball during the Olympics, is poised to host the opening ceremony for the Paralympics. Organizers are pledging an extraordinary spectacle as thousands of athletes and numerous spectators gather for a groundbreaking ceremony, marking the first instance this event will occur outside a traditional stadium setting.
Most Olympic venues remain operational for the Paralympic Games, with notable locations such as the Château de Versailles set to host para equestrian events and the Grand Palais welcoming wheelchair fencing. Additionally, the venue beneath the Eiffel Tower, previously designated for beach volleyball during the Olympics, will now feature blind football, specifically adapted for visually impaired athletes.
Tony Estanguet, the head of the Paris 2024 organizing committee, expressed the intent to maintain the enthusiasm generated by the Olympics, stating, “We want to use the same exact recipe. The Olympics were the first leg of the match, and now comes the second leg with the Paralympics. It will be equally as spectacular.” In harmony with this focus, both Paris 2024 and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) have launched a concerted campaign titled “Game is not over,” featuring advertisements throughout the capital, aimed at encouraging local residents to participate and attend the Paralympic events.
IPC President Andrew Parsons emphasized the opportunity for French fans, remarking, “French fans who missed the chance to see the Olympics live now have a second shot. Paris will be alive, tickets will be affordable. It is the perfect show for families.”
During the interim between the two major sports events, Paris has experienced a notable slow down, as August is traditionally a vacation month for many Parisians who seek respite in coastal towns or the countryside. Consequently, the streets appear noticeably quieter and numerous establishments, including restaurants, remain closed until September. However, a few locals who have chosen to stay in the city have taken advantage of this lull to recuperate from the whirlwind of the Olympics.
Alexia Latour, a 27-year-old accountant, stated, “I think we all needed a break after cheering so much,” as she gathered with friends at the Parc Monceau, a park known for its lively fan zone during the Olympics, which has now transformed into a serene area for family activities. The large screens that once displayed live sporting events currently showcase family-friendly films and concerts.
Alex Lemaistre, who manages activities at the fan zone, noted, “We went from 2,500 visitors to fewer than 100 a day, mostly locals. Our goal is to keep the Olympic spirit alive, but it is proving to be quite challenging. Currently, we lack prominent French athletes, such as Léon Marchand, to uplift our spirits.”
Yann Nguyen, a local who attended a musical performance at the fan zone, expressed skepticism about maintaining the excitement from the Olympics into the Paralympics, stating, “I find it a bit odd that they did not start the Paralympics right after the Olympics’ closing ceremony. September marks the onset of the new school year here. I am uncertain how they will sustain the festive atmosphere.”
Despite the tranquil streets, security remains a prominent fixture in the city, with armed police officers visible in strategic areas, reinforcing the heightened security measures ushered in during the Olympics. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin recently confirmed that approximately 25,000 police officers will be deployed during the Paralympics, ensuring the safety of participants and spectators alike. Moreover, security forces will also be activated during the Paralympic torch relay, with the flame expected to arrive in France on Sunday from Stoke Mandeville, England, a village recognized as the birthplace of the Paralympic Games.
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