Paris is set to host a groundbreaking opening ceremony for the 2024 Olympics, which will be a departure from tradition as it won’t be held in a stadium. Instead, the ceremony will take place on the iconic River Seine, with a visual spectacle involving around 50 boats of various sizes and colors. This unique rehearsal took place almost a year prior to the event, allowing organizers to test technical elements and ensure a memorable experience for the athletes.
For the first time in Olympic history, athletes from all nations participating in the Games will be aboard these boats as part of the traditional Parade of Nations. With over 100 vessels forming a flotilla through Paris, officials have already sold around 100,000 tickets for prime locations along the river. Additionally, several hundred thousand people are expected to watch the event from the river banks free of charge.
Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris Games organizing committee, expressed his satisfaction with the recent technical and operational test, stating that they wanted to ensure everything was feasible before adding the artistic elements to the ceremony. While last week’s rehearsal took place on the Seine, future rehearsals, including the artistic aspects, will be held on other discreet stretches of water.
However, challenges remain for the organizers. Thierry Reboul, Executive Director of Paris 2024, explained the puzzle-like nature of managing the order of protocol and delegations. Despite the complexity, Reboul remains confident that they are close to realizing their vision for the opening ceremony.
Ensuring the security and safety of the athletes and the large crowd of spectators on the river banks is a paramount concern for officials. With this in mind, a deployment of 35,000 police officers in Paris is expected for the opening ceremony, making it an unprecedented security operation. Organizers are also aware of emerging threats, such as the potential use of bomb-carrying drones, and are taking precautions to address these concerns.
While Paris has faced recent civil unrest, organizers believe it will not impact the Games next year. Emmanuel Grégoire, the first deputy mayor of Paris, emphasized the need to differentiate between social and societal issues and hosting events successfully. He stated that despite security risks, France has a track record of hosting events in the best possible way.
In summary, Paris is set to deliver an innovative opening ceremony for the 2024 Olympics, taking place on the River Seine instead of in a traditional stadium. The recent rehearsal showcased the technical elements involved, incorporating a flotilla of boats and thousands of athletes. While challenges remain, organizers are working diligently to ensure the security and success of the event.
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