Paris embraces 2024 Olympics and Paralympics as lasting fixtures of the city

PARIS ( WCMH ) — When Paris won the bid to host the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, they declared it would be a “Games Wide Open,” inviting everyone to experience the Games regardless of circumstance.

Tony Estanguet, the CEO of the Paris Games, is a former Olympian himself and said connecting his country with both the Olympics and the Paralympics was a huge priority.

“We believe that the Paralympics can add something in addition to having more a way to speak about inclusion,” Estanguet said. “Because we still believe that we live in a society that we are very, maybe too many differences, and sport sometimes can reduce discrimination.”

To help achieve this goal, the organizing committee formed mini-clubs in 600 schools across France to introduce kids to meet Paralympians and encourage them to try adaptive sports.

Success in these goals is indicated by the packed stadiums for each Paralympic event, and an excitement among attendees of all ages to celebrate the athletes. With this enthusiasm and turnout, Paris’ goal of a Games to remember may just be solidified.

“To see how much France embraced the Games, and definitely be part of the success because everywhere I go inside the stadiums, there is always the same magic, atmosphere, a fantastic way to engage with people, and to motivate people to do sport,” Estanguet said. “And that’s fantastic because the athletes were the stars of the Games but also in our country, it made an impact on the people to have a better opinion on sport and also the motivation to do sport.”

As further proof of the legacy of these Games, the mayor of Paris said the Olympic Rings will remain on the Eiffel Tower, and the Paralympic logo will most likely remain on the Arc de Triomphe.

“I believe there is some kind of magic in this country at this moment where everyone is discovering the Games, the power of sport, to bring a nation together,” Estanguet said.

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