After much thought, I decided to write this article based on my own experience as a Greek resident of Paris. I will present the image of Paris during the Olympic Games through my own eyes, as an ordinary spectator who lived through this event in the city.
The Story of the Olympic Games
The origins of the Olympic Games can be traced back to 776 B.C. in Olympia, Ancient Greece, held in honor of the god Zeus. At that time, only men were allowed to participate, and the competitions included athletic, musical, and poetic events. The games ceased in 393 A.D. when Roman Emperor, Theodosius I, banned them, considering them pagan. However, after many centuries, in 1896, the Olympic Games were revived thanks to the French baron named Pierre de Coubertin. The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1896, once again with the participation of men only.
The Significance of the Olympic Games
The symbol of the Olympic Games, the five Olympic Rings, represents the five continents. Core values expressed through the Games include peace, friendship, respect, and understanding among nations. Unity is a key ideal promoted through the Olympics. The Games evolve over time, reflecting the society in which we live. Their main goal is to bring people closer through sport and to develop both body and mind.
Olympic Games, Paris 2024
Paris is hosting the Olympic Games for the third time, after 1900 and 1924, making it the first city to host the Games three times. The Paris 2024 Olympics will see the participation of approximately 10,500 athletes from over 200 countries. There will be 32 sports and 329 events. A significant innovation is the inclusion of breakdancing as an official Olympic sport. Most events will take place at well-known and significant locations across the city, such as the Seine River, the Palais des Sports, Stade de France, and the Palace of Versailles for equestrian events. The Seine River was used as the backdrop for many events, including the opening ceremony, which took place in a public space rather than a stadium, a groundbreaking move.
The Paris 2024 Games are the most “green” Olympics to date, reducing CO2 emissions by 50% compared to previous editions. Renewable energy sources and sustainable materials were used in constructions, with a large percentage of venues being temporary or reused from past events. Finally, Paris 2024 is the first Olympic Games with an equal number of male and female athletes, promoting gender equality.
Paralympics, Paris 2024
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games took place from August 28 to September 8. It was the first time Paris hosted the Paralympics, although the city had previously hosted the Olympic Games twice, in 1900 and 1924. A total of 4,000 athletes from more than 180 countries participated. Athletes competed in different categories based on the type and degree of their disabilities, including those with physical, visual, and intellectual impairments. Many of the venues used for the Paralympics were the same as those used for the Olympics, such as the Stade de France and Place de la Bastille, with some events also being held at the Gardens of Versailles.
A significant focus was placed on making the venues and the city itself accessible to spectators with disabilities, in terms of both transportation and accommodation. The goal was for the Paris 2024 Paralympics to be the most accessible Paralympic Games in history. Regarding environmental sustainability, the event aimed to reduce its carbon footprint. This included the use of renewable energy, waste reduction, and promoting public transportation. The Paralympic Games are not just a sports event but also an opportunity to showcase the abilities of athletes with disabilities and to promote inclusion and equality in society. With these goals in mind, the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games are expected to be one of the most important and impressive events of the year, delivering a powerful message of equality and empowerment.
Paris during the Olympic Games through my eyes
Paris has always been a city of unparalleled beauty for me. Living here for two years, I constantly discover new places that fascinate me and new stories about the city. The Olympic period was a different yet beautiful time for those of us who stayed in Paris. Many tourists, passionate about the country and the Games, arrived and experienced the event with great enthusiasm, which was contagious to the city’s residents. Numerous shops selling Olympic souvenirs popped up across the city, giving Paris a festive atmosphere. The city hosted a well-organized event that combined tradition with modern innovation, offering unforgettable moments to both athletes and spectators. Alongside the Olympics, Paris hosted various cultural events and festivals, showcasing French art, music, and history, which were equally fascinating. However, it’s worth mentioning the significant price hikes in public transportation and many essential goods during the Games, which caused discontent among the city’s permanent residents.
In any case, I am personally grateful to France for the entire organization and spectacle it offered us, making me proud as a Greek for the attention and special value it placed on my country.
See you on another journey!
Have a good time!
