Ethiopian Informer
(Xinhua): The Paris 2024 Games are drawing the world’s attention to the unifying power of the Olympic spirit while showcasing unparalleled sporting excellence.
That was the message from International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach and Paris 2024 Organizing Committee President Tony Estanguet during a joint press conference on Saturday to mark the Games’ halfway point.
“France and the French people have welcomed the world with open arms and open hearts,” Bach said. “This is France completely in love with the Olympic Games in the city of love, Paris, but not only in Paris – over all of France.”
Estanguet echoed Bach’s sentiments, pointing out that Paris 2024 had already delivered on its ambition to provide a beautiful backdrop to the world’s premier sporting event.
“We wanted to create an exceptional event to showcase the best of this country and the best of our athletes’ performances,” he said. “Our country has shown its capacity to organize major events and bring people together.”
GAMES ATMOSPHERE
Bach praised the electric atmosphere at various venues, including the Grand Palais for fencing, Marseille for sailing and Paris landmarks for the triathlon.
“You have never seen fencing until you have seen it in the Grand Palais, [with] thousands of people cheering and singing for every competitor in this magnificent setting,” he said.
Estanguet highlighted the widespread fervor, noting that more than 2 million spectators had attended Paris 2024 venues so far, with an additional 400,000 flocking to celebration sites around the city.
“It’s exceptional what happened over the first week in the different competition venues,” he said. “The atmosphere is extremely heartwarming to the French people and spectators worldwide.”
RECORD ENGAGEMENT
The Games have also achieved record-breaking broadcasting and digital engagement. Bach shared impressive statistics, including an 83.3 percent audience share for the opening ceremony in France and unprecedented streaming figures in the United States and Europe.
“We are on track for more than half of the world’s entire population to follow the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” he said.
Estanguet added: “We’ve experienced historical times in our country with legendary athletes, record broadcasting ratings and incredible spectator engagement. The athletes and the spectators are bringing a lot [to France].”
SUSTAINABILITY
The IOC and organizers have been at pains to emphasize the legacy of Paris 2024 in terms of sustainability, gender equality, and inspiring future generations.
Bach pointed to the IOC’s increased budget for Olympic solidarity programs, aimed at leveling the playing field for athletes worldwide.
“The athletes inspire the audience, and the audience lifts the spirit of the athletes. We are on the right track,” he said.
Estanguet cited the environmental efforts, such as cleaning the River Seine for future swimming, and the focus on gender equality, with women’s sports drawing significant crowds. “Women’s rugby had 60,000 spectators for one match [the sevens quarterfinal between France and Canada]. It was a record for any women’s rugby match,” he said.
LOOKING AHEAD
In addition to reflecting on the accomplishments of the first week, both Bach and Estanguet were confident that an equally successful second week lays ahead.
“It’s halftime, and the results will count until after the last whistle. We can live up to all the surprises that may come our way.”
Estanguet expressed enthusiasm at the upcoming schedule, including showpiece athletics events and the closing ceremony, which he promised to be as exceptional as the opening. He also referred to growing interest and support for the Paralympic Games, which will begin on August 28.
OLYMPIC SPIRIT
According to Bach, Paris 2024 has so far exceeded expectations, embodying the Olympic spirit of unity, excellence and passion for sport.
“In this world torn apart by wars and conflicts, we remain the only event in the world that can bring the entire world together at this moment,” he said.
With full stadiums, high television ratings, and an atmosphere of celebration, Bach is upbeat about the coming days, and the future.
“Everything is in place for Olympic Games Paris 2024 to be the Olympic Games of a new era,” he said.
(PHOTO shows athletes dive into the River Seine during the men’s individual triathlon at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, on July 31, 2024. Xinhua)
