Paris 2024 Organising Committee examines the legacy of the Olympic Games
The Prelude to Paris 2024: A Unified Vision for the Future
With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on the horizon, the excitement is palpable. Five short months before the global spectacle commences, key players convened at the Docks d’Aubervilliers, nestled in the heart of Seine-Saint-Denis, to reflect on six transformative years of concerted efforts. Their shared vision? To ensure the Olympic flame continues to burn bright, inspiring generations long after the closing ceremony.
The Paris 2024 Forum: A Catalyst for Change
The Paris 2024 Forum stands as a testament to collaborative success, uniting Paris 2024 organizers and an array of stakeholders at the iconic Docks d’Aubervilliers. This gathering aimed to celebrate mutual achievements and reaffirm commitments towards a sustainable Olympic legacy. Amidst the anticipation, recent findings unveiled a promising trend: nearly half of the British populace (49%) is inspired by the prospect of the Paris Olympics, eager to embrace physical activity and sports more actively.
A Legacy of Transformation: The Investment in Seine-Saint-Denis
Seine-Saint-Denis is witnessing a remarkable transformation, thanks in part to the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games. The area is set to benefit from an extensive infrastructure overhaul, including the introduction of four new aquatic centres, 18 swimming pools, and 24 dedicated training facilities. Moreover, the rejuvenation plan extends to the refurbishment and construction of indispensable local amenities, such as gyms and stadiums. From 2024 to 2026, over 5,000 facilities will receive a facelift or emerge anew, laying the groundwork for a healthier, more vibrant community.
Empowering Future Generations through Sport
Since 2018, Olympic and Paralympic Week has become a beacon of inspiration for three million French youngsters, promoting physical well-being and the core values inherent to sport. This national initiative, spanning schools and universities across France, is a pivotal element of the Olympic legacy, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and passion for sports among the youth.
The Paris 2024 Endowment Fund: Championing Social Inclusion through Sport
The establishment of the Paris 2024 Endowment Fund in 2019 marked a significant milestone in advancing social inclusivity via sports initiatives. With a generous budget exceeding €47.8 million, the fund has catalyzed over 1,100 social ventures, directly benefiting approximately 4.5 million individuals. The focus remains steadfast on empowering women and individuals with disabilities, further illustrating the transformative potential of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
In Conclusion: A Legacy Beyond the Podium
As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games progresses, it’s clear that the impact of this monumental event will resonate far beyond the athletic achievements celebrated on the global stage. The comprehensive efforts underway in Seine-Saint-Denis, coupled with nationwide initiatives to promote physical activity, underscore a commitment to lasting change. The Paris 2024 Olympics not only promise a spectacle of sporting excellence but also herald a future bright with opportunity, inclusion, and community revitalization.
The legacy is not just about facilities and buildings. It is also about changing attitudes and habits. To break down barriers and create a more inclusive society, several projects have been launched and will continue after the Games. For example, the CPSF and the City of Paris, with the support of the Paris 2024 Endowment Fund, launched the Inclusive Club.
This has been tested in 30 clubs to develop local sporting opportunities for people with disabilities. The CPSF aims to expand the programme to 3,000 clubs by the end of 2024, with the support of the Ministry of Sports and the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Paris 2024 is a project that will live far beyond the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It has one objective: to ensure that society benefits from the legacy of the Games. At Paris 2024, we have been at work with all our stakeholders since the launch of the project to maximise the legacy of the Games. In less than 100 days, we will be hosting the world’s biggest sporting event and we must ensure that the momentum for physical activity and sport in everyday life continues to grow thanks to the commitment of each and every one of us, and that it lasts beyond the Games”. Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024.
“You can be proud of what you have been able to achieve so far. But the Games are only a few months away. So keep up the good work and work even more closely together, united by the same ambition: to write a new chapter in the Olympic and sporting history of France and to ensure that these Games leave a lasting legacy throughout the nation. After the Games, maintain this commitment and determination to build a better world through sport, guided by the Olympic motto: “Faster, higher, stronger – together”. International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach
“In total, the Metropolis is financing 16 million euros in legacy funding for the pool plan (6 facilities) and 5 million euros for 2 pools for re-use. The Games are a powerful engine for attracting people and transforming our 131 communes. This will benefit the people of the Metropolis during and after the Paris 2024 Games”. Patrick Ollier, President of the Greater Paris Region.
“The legacy of the Games will be a powerful accelerator for the transformation that is under way in our region. At the heart of the revitalisation of the Pleyel district in Saint-Denis, for example, is the Athletes’ Village”. Mathieu Hanotin, Mayor of Saint-Denis and President of Plaine Commune
“From the outset, the City of Paris wanted to ensure that the legacy of the Games for the region and its inhabitants played a key role. Six years on, we are pleased to say that this objective has not changed: 20,000 Parisians have already benefited from a programme that combines social cohesion, health and sport”. Pierre Rabadan, Deputy Director of Sport, Paris City Hall.