The Paris Olympics, starting Friday with the opening ceremony, embraces the motto “Games wide open” as it returns to the French capital for the first time in a century.
The ceremony will feature boats transporting athletes and dignitaries along six kilometers of the River Seine, accommodating up to 300,000 spectators.
Details about the ceremony are sparse, though rumors suggest performances by Celine Dion and Lady Gaga. Artistic director Thomas Jolly aims to “show France in all its diversity” through the event.
This year’s Games are notable for achieving gender parity, with 5,250 male and 5,250 female athletes competing.
As Paris prepares for the influx of millions, French President Emmanuel Macron reassured that the country is “ready and we will be ready throughout the Games.”
However, some residents have expressed concerns on social media about overcrowding, inflated prices, and transportation issues.
On the day of the opening ceremony, a series of fires severely disrupted the French rail network and affected Eurostar services.
A large security presence, including up to 5,000 police, soldiers, and hired guards, is in place. The Seine has been fenced off for the event, requiring residents to use QR codes to access certain areas, which has drawn criticism from local businesses.
Authorities assure that these barriers will be removed after the ceremony.
The cost of the Games is estimated at around 9 billion euros (£7.6 billion), with promises to make this the greenest Olympics ever.
Only two new, purpose-built arenas will be used: one for aquatics and another for badminton and rhythmic gymnastics.
Events will also take place at iconic venues like the Stade de France, Roland Garros, and historic sites including the Grand Palais and Place de la Concorde.
A significant concern was the water quality of the Seine, which will host swimming events. Swimming in the river was banned for a century due to poor water quality, and tests in June revealed E. coli levels exceeding safe limits.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo swam in the Seine on July 17 to demonstrate its safety. The water will be continuously tested before the events.
Source-BBC
