Paris: Athletes from across the globe have begun arriving at the Olympic Village in Paris, their temporary "home away from home" for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The village, located on the banks of the River Seine in the north of Paris, officially opened its doors to approximately 10,500 athletes representing 206 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach joined Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet and IOC Coordination Commission Chair Pierre-Oliver Beckers Vieujant for the opening ceremony. Bach greeted early arrivals and attended the NOC Chefs de Mission meeting, expressing excitement about the facilities available for the athletes.
"It's been a long journey of seven years, but it has been incredibly rewarding," Bach remarked, praising the efforts of the Organizing Committee led by Estanguet and their collaboration with the IOC Coordination Commission. "We have a magnificent Olympic Village, equipped with all the necessary amenities for a successful Olympic Games."
The main Olympic Village spans 54 hectares and features a 3,200-seat dining hall, a 24-hour gym, a 3,500-square-metre polyclinic, and a convenience store. Additional athlete villages in Châteauroux, Lille, Marseille, and Tahiti will host athletes competing in specific sports like shooting, basketball (preliminary round), handball, sailing, and surfing.
Designed with athlete feedback from five continents, the Village includes spaces such as the Village Club for relaxation and socialising while watching Olympic broadcasts, and the "Athlete 365 Space" offering information on IOC support programs and athlete-focused issues like anti-doping.
Post-Games, the Olympic Village will integrate into the Seine-Saint-Denis region, providing homes, public facilities, workplaces, and green spaces for 6,000 residents and creating jobs for 6,000 people. The sustainable neighbourhood will feature housing, a hotel, student residences, gardens, parks, offices, city services, and local shops.
Moreover, the Village incorporates climate-resilient design elements, utilising plants and water features in public areas to mitigate future climate challenges.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are scheduled from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8, promising a memorable and sustainable sporting event in the heart of Paris. IANS
Published: 19 Jul 2024, 04:13 pm IST
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