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THAT'S IN SEINE
Paris Olympic Games 2024 chief promises ‘magical’ opening ceremony with 10,000 athletes floating on River Seine in boats
THE 2024 Paris Olympics will open in spectacular fashion – with Olympians arriving by BOATS along the River Seine.
Organisers are planning an audacious opening ceremony the like of which has never been seen before in the 125-year history of the modern Olympics.
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On July 26, 2024, more than 10,000 athletes and officials from over 200 countries will sail almost four miles by water in front of 600,000 fans in the French capital.
More than 160 boats will travel past famous Parisian bridges and monuments such as the Notre Dame cathedral and the Louvre.
The closing ceremony is scheduled to be held at the Trocadero, an expanse of gardens and fountains which overlooks the Eiffel Tower.
This breaks the long-held Summer Games tradition of a stadium procession of athletes and officials.
Safety of the stars will clearly be a consideration because while there will be ticketed stands, but there will also be free public access to part of the river banks.
IOC President Thomas Bach said: “Organising the Opening Ceremony along the Seine, the emblematic river in the very heart of the city, perfectly aligns with Paris 2024’s ambition to reinvent the Games model by opening up participation to as many people as possible.
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“This Ceremony will be an exceptional experience for all the athletes taking part, but also, and above all, for the people of Paris, for France and for the whole world.”
Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet said: “Rest assured, the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony will be nothing short of magical.
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“Its staging will be groundbreaking. It will be a ceremony for the people, open to one and all.
“It will show the world the very best of France. A party like no other - and the world is invited.”
Paris will become the second host city after London to host a summer Olympics on three separate occasions, following on from the 1900 and 1924 Games.
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