PARIS, France (AFP) — Paris Olympics chief executive Tony Estanguet announced on Sunday that the city is “ready” to host the upcoming Olympic Games, downplaying concerns from residents and businesses regarding the event’s impact.
“We are ready for the final step,” Estanguet declared at a news conference in Paris, just five days before the opening parade next Friday. He emphasized the importance of vigilance until the Closing Ceremonies are concluded, but expressed confidence in the preparations, saying, “Today we are exactly where we dreamed we would be a few years ago.”
Final preparations are underway across the city, with thousands of athletes and officials arriving and the weather improving after months of rain. Additionally, the water quality of the Seine, which will be used for Olympic outdoor swimming events, has significantly improved since early July, a positive development noted by Estanguet.
The opening ceremony will be a historic event, marking the first time the Summer Olympics will commence outside the main athletics stadium. Approximately 6,000 to 7,000 athletes are expected to participate, floating down the Seine aboard 85 barges and boats. Up to 300,000 ticket holders will watch from stands and the riverbank, with an additional 200,000 spectators viewing from nearby apartments. Estanguet mentioned that around 4,000 tickets remain available.
Despite the excitement, the extensive security measures required for the opening ceremony have caused friction, with central Paris areas along the riverside and around Olympic venues now restricted. Local businesses have reported an “unprecedented slump in sales and footfall,” attributing this to the “tough security measures.”
Estanguet acknowledged the disruptions, stating, “It can’t be done without disruption and it can’t be done without some restrictions.” He emphasized the importance of hosting the Olympics in Paris, describing it as an unprecedented concept for Paris 2024, and expressed gratitude to those who understood the necessary restrictions.
In addition to the opening ceremony, many sports events will take place in temporary venues around Paris, including beach volleyball at the Eiffel Tower, archery at Les Invalides, and skateboarding at Place de la Concorde. Approximately 45,000 members of France’s security forces will be on duty when the Olympics commence at 7:30pm (1730 GMT) on Friday.
Cybersecurity remains a major concern, with recent global IT disruptions and potential disinformation attacks being addressed. Only 15 Russians and 17 Belarusians are allowed to compete as neutrals, following the invasion of Ukraine, amid fears of sophisticated misinformation campaigns targeting the event.
Meanwhile, the U.S. men’s basketball team narrowly defeated South Sudan in a warm-up game in London, with LeBron James scoring the winning point. U.S. coach Steve Kerr highlighted the game as a reminder of the intense competition they will face in Paris.
Overall, despite local challenges and security concerns, Paris is poised to deliver an exceptional Olympic experience, staying true to its ambition of showcasing the best of France to the world.
