Paris to Celebrate Paralympic Games with Club France and Fan Zones
The celebration of sporting excellence in Paris is set to continue as the city prepares for the forthcoming Paralympic Games, scheduled from Wednesday, August 28 to Sunday, September 8. Following the remarkable success of the Olympic Games, fan zones will be revived to welcome both local and international patrons, creating an atmosphere of unity and enthusiasm.
While certain iconic locations, such as the Parc des Champions in the Trocadero gardens—previously used to honor medalists from various nations—will not be recreated, others will be made available in distinct formats. Notably, Club France, which attracted approximately 600,000 attendees during the Olympic fortnight, will again open its doors at Parc de La Villette in the 19th arrondissement on August 29, the day subsequent to the opening ceremony. This venue will now operate under the auspices of the French Paralympic and Sports Committee, which takes over responsibilities from the French National Olympic and Sports Committee. Club France is set to celebrate the achievements of French parasport athletes daily, running from 10:00 am to 2:00 am, and highlighting various disabled sports disciplines.
A significant change this year is the decision to offer free entry to Club France during the Paralympic Games, in stark contrast to the fee-based access during the Olympics. This initiative aims to amplify the visibility of Paralympic athletes, who often remain overshadowed by their Olympic counterparts. Elie Patrigeon, General Director of the French Paralympic Committee, expressed the ethos behind this decision: “We wanted our athletes to engage with the public through this celebration, which is accessible to as many individuals as possible.”
Despite the reduction in physical space—with only the Grande Halle and its immediate vicinity available as opposed to the larger outdoor areas—Club France Paralympique has begun to garner interest, already fully booked for Saturday, August 31. Anticipation is building for weekend events, which may attract up to 15,000 attendees each night, propelled not just by the scheduled concerts featuring artists such as Camélia Jordana and Etienne de Crécy, but also by the residual excitement from the Olympics. Patrigeon noted, “We are completely caught up in the success of the Olympics and the French Olympic team, and it has fostered a very positive momentum for us.”
The French Paralympic and Sports Committee recorded daily registrations averaging between 4,000 and 5,000 throughout the Olympics, with a significant additional intake of 9,000 registrations just after the conclusion of those games. In a remarkable turn of events, approaching 80,000 individuals have pre-registered for access to Club France Paralympique, aligning with the committee’s initial expectations. Nevertheless, Patrigeon exercised caution, pointing out, “These registrations are mandatory but free, and thus, we remain uncertain about actual visitor turnout.”
As for the ambiance surrounding Club France, the Parc de La Villette will undergo notable changes compared to its Olympic counterpart, which featured the Parc des Nations hosting 14 international pavilions. Only representatives from the Netherlands and Colombia will retain their presence, while other nations have opted not to continue their installations. The Parc will simultaneously resume its scheduled artistic season on August 29.
The organizers face the challenge of accommodating returning vacationers and the back-to-school rush during this Paralympic period. They are optimistic about Parisians looking to engage with the festivities, particularly those who may have missed out during the Olympic celebrations. In addition, the City of Paris will maintain fan zones that will be free of charge from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm, where visitors can gather for live event screenings, partake in introductory sports workshops, and relax in communal areas similar to those during the Olympics.
These fan zones across nearly every arrondissement attracted approximately 1.5 million individuals during the Olympic Games, with around 25,000 attending the one situated in front of the Hôtel de Ville. Pierre Rabadan, Deputy Mayor in charge of Sports at Paris City Hall, remarked, “The attendance figures vastly exceeded our expectations. We will strive to replicate this success during the Paralympic Games, as we anticipate experiencing diverse emotions rooted in supporting the French team. By maintaining a similar framework, our objective is to rekindle a sense of community and shared enthusiasm among attendees, a hallmark of the Games.
In conclusion, as the Paralympic Games materialize, Paris is poised to create an engaging, inclusive environment that celebrates the remarkable talents of parasport athletes while fostering community spirit, reflecting the enduring legacy of the previously held Olympic Games.
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