Paris Transitions from Olympics to Paralympics Amidst Preparations and Anticipation
PARIS — In the wake of the Olympic Games, the city of Paris is actively preparing for the upcoming Paralympic Games, scheduled from August 28 to September 8 this year. Organizers are seizing the opportunity presented by the lull following the Olympics to finalize arrangements for various events, which will include wheelchair rugby and para athletics.
The historic Place de la Concorde has become a hive of activity, where construction efforts have intensified since the conclusion of the Olympics on August 11. This notable square, which hosted events such as skateboarding, breaking, and 3×3 basketball during the Olympics, is set to be the venue for the Paralympic opening ceremony on Wednesday. Organizers promise an unprecedented “spectacle,” marking the first occurrence of an opening ceremony outside of a stadium, with thousands of athletes and a large spectator turnout expected.
Many of the Olympic venues will remain operational for the Paralympics. The Château de Versailles is designated for para equestrian events, while wheelchair fencing will take place at the Grand Palais. Moreover, the space under the Eiffel Tower — which previously hosted beach volleyball — will now accommodate blind football, an adaptation of soccer for the visually impaired.
Tony Estanguet, the head of the Paris 2024 organizing committee, emphasized the goal of maintaining the high level of enthusiasm generated by the Olympics. “We wish to utilize the same formula,” he stated. “The Olympics served as the first leg of this match, and now we are entering the second leg with the Paralympics, which promises to be equally spectacular.”
Both the organizing committee and the International Paralympic Committee have initiated the “Game is not over” campaign, featuring advertisements throughout Paris to encourage local residents and visitors to attend the Paralympic events. IPC President Andrew Parsons remarked, “French fans who missed the opportunity to witness the Olympics live now have a second chance. Paris will be vibrant, and ticket prices will be affordable, creating a perfect outing for families.”
Nonetheless, the city has experienced a significant reduction in activity during the interim between the two major sporting events, as many Parisians traditionally vacation in August, leaving the city for coastal retreats or rural areas. Consequently, the urban environment appears notably subdued, with numerous businesses, including restaurants, opting to remain closed until September.
Some Parisians choosing to stay are relishing the tranquility that has descended post-Olympics. “We all needed a respite from the excitement of the Olympics,” stated Alexia Latour, a 27-year-old accountant enjoying time at Parc Monceau, a park located in the affluent 17th arrondissement, which was previously abuzz with Olympic fan activities. Currently, the dynamic has shifted, with large screens now displaying family-friendly films and concerts rather than live sporting events.
Alex Lemaistre, who oversees programming at the fan zone, observed a stark contrast in attendance, noting, “We transitioned from 2,500 visitors to under 100 daily, primarily local residents. We strive to maintain the Olympic spirit; however, it is quite challenging without French athletes like Léon Marchand to inspire us.”
Yann Nguyen, a 51-year-old participant at the fan zone for an afternoon concert, expressed skepticism about Paris’ ability to sustain the excitement generated during the Olympics. He remarked, “It seems peculiar that the Paralympics do not commence immediately after the Olympics due to the timing in September, which coincides with the onset of the school year. I am uncertain how the festive atmosphere will be preserved.”
Despite the reduced activity throughout the streets, security measures remain a prominent presence. Armed police personnel are actively patrolling significant areas, reflecting the security protocols that were established during the Olympics. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced that approximately 25,000 police officers will be deployed during the Paralympics, emphasizing the continuation of heightened security. Additionally, police forces will be engaged throughout the Paralympic torch relay, with the flame expected to arrive in France on Sunday from Stoke Mandeville, the English village recognized as the birthplace of the Paralympic Games.
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