WATCH: KETK kicks off Olympic celebrations in Paris

PARIS, Texas ( KETK ) — East Texas residents do not have to go too far if they want their own taste of the Olympics, another Paris much closer to home is hosting their own summer games.

Paris, Texas, located in Lamar County, is taking this opportunity to host their own games. Visitors have already been traveling to see this unique Eiffel Tower because word of the games has spread.

Four ladies traveled from Plano to convince their friends that they made it to the Olympics.

“Well, we are competitive artistic swimmers. We’ve been practicing this summer in my pool, and we are here to represent,” Sandy Schneider said.

Schneider said they did not want to go all the way to France but they found the next best option.  It was still worth the trip for these four ladies, who call themselves the “Cellulite Swimmers,” dedicated to showing others that you can swim at any age.

They have been telling all of their friends that they made it to the Olympics and they are not completely wrong, because this Paris is hosting its own summer games.

“It’s fun. That’s what it’s supposed to be about. It’s not about pro players in Paris, Texas,” Sue Hays, a pickleball player said.

Hays said this gives everyone an opportunity to participate, even if they’re not the greatest athletes.

“You can’t explain the joy. It’s like you get a little slice of your childhood,” Hays said. “They’re going to be ready by Saturday,” she said.

Hays even approached city council to get some new pickleball courts opened in the area for this event.

This is one of the few cities of Paris with an Eiffel Tower and the only one with a cowboy hat on top. Because of this, president of the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce, Paul Allen, said they could not pass on this opportunity.

“There will be 14 different events that people can compete in, and we’ve got tug of war. We’ve got a hot dog eating contest. We’ve got a pickleball tournament. We’ve got a pumptrack race,” Allen said, just to name a few.

He said these games also involve local businesses.

“We’re going to give gold and silver and bronze metals away, and the business that collects the most metals is going to get a huge trophy,” Allen said.

While this may not be the same as the games that the entire world will be watching, both Allen and Hays said it will make an impact on their community regardless.

The games will kick off August 3rd at 8:30am.

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