IOC president Thomas Bach said ahead of the Games: “The excitement gripping this nation is palpable… as this unique festival of sport draws closer. All of us are looking forward to an unforgettable celebration of Olympic sport and French culture.
“These will be Olympic Games where everyone can play their part, not just as spectators, but as participants. Almost nine million tickets have already been sold – six million of them for under 50 Euros. Fans can enjoy events like road cycling, triathlon or the marathon, which are open to all. The public can take part in events, such as the “Marathon Pour Tous”, when 40,000 people will run the same route just hours before the Olympic athletes.
“Millions of French children are already taking part in daily exercises as part of their school curriculum. And there will be another milestone for inclusion: for the first time in history, we will have Olympic Games with full gender parity. For all of these reasons, the Paris 2024 slogan “Games wide open” is a perfect reflection of our Olympic Agenda reforms.
“The 10,500 best athletes of the world will send this inspiring message of unity, hope and peace from France to the world. With openness, respect, inclusion and true solidarity, everyone will feel welcome and at home at these Olympic Games Paris 2024. Over half of the entire world’s population will follow these Olympic Games and be inspired by this message.
“The stage is set: the athletes are ready, all of France is ready, the Olympic Movement is ready. Let us come together to celebrate and to enjoy together… These Olympic Games will be about sport – and about more than sport. To our French Olympic friends, I say: Allez les Bleus!”
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Courtesy : https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/olympics-2024-paris-opening-ceremony-live-updates/wedWbEAeb0d4/