“We're ready. We're enthusiastic. We remain focused.” – stage is set for Paris to welcome the world6

13 June 2024 - “We're ready. We're enthusiastic. We remain focused.” These three key messages were delivered by the Paris 2024 Organising Committee to the International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Executive Board (EB) today as final preparations for this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games reach the final stages.

With just over 40 days until the Opening Ceremony on the River Seine, the team at Paris 2024 outlined the meticulous preparations undertaken to deliver the first Olympic and Paralympic Games aligned with the reforms of Olympic Agenda 2020.

Ready

This attention to detail is illustrated by the vast number of operational, event and venue readiness exercises taking place – nearly 250 in total by the time the Games begin. This includes 35 test events and operational activities, with only four more to be completed. These activities, integrated with all delivery partners, are designed to train staff and volunteers, check processes, and test infrastructure and technology.

In the coming weeks, several key venues will become operational. These include the Main Press Centre and the International Broadcast Centre, as well as the Olympic Village, which will host over 14,000 residents, including athletes and their entourage members. The Paris 2024 Main Operations Centre has been operational since the lighting of the Olympic flame in Olympia on 16 April, and will commence its Games-time routine with a month to go on 26 June, while final preparations are being made to all of the sports venues.

Beyond Paris, it was reported that Olympic qualifications are also progressing, with 78 per cent of quota placements determined, accounting for over 8,000 athletes. Noting that the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will be the first in history to achieve full gender parity on the field of play, the qualification process for all athletes will conclude by the end of June, with National Olympic Committees registering their athletes by 8 July.

Enthusiastic

Consequently, anticipation is growing among athletes who are looking forward to competing in Paris, while fans are also excited about this summer’s Games. This is reflected in the fact that over 8 million tickets have already been sold for the Olympic Games, while engagement is also evident on the Olympic Torch Relay route. Over 2.5 million people across the country have turned out in support so far, following its spectacular arrival in Marseille, witnessed by over 150,000 people in the city’s old Port, and nearly six million French TV viewers.

Paris 2024’s Cultural Olympiad was also showcased – with over 2,000 projects classified under the ‘Cultural Olympiad’ label – 82 per cent of which are free entry. In addition, over 941 fan-focused activities have been registered across France (as of 5 June), including events where people can follow the Games through live broadcasts, cultural activities, sports activities, city discovery programmes, food and beverage offerings, and other Games-related events. These can all be accessed through the Games Map on the official website and app.

Focused

These advancements come alongside a series of communications to the public and stakeholders regarding security measures and adjustments to city-centre operations during the Games. The French State, represented by Interministerial Delegate for the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2024, Michel Cadot, the region of Île-de-France, represented by Prefect Marc Guillaume, and the Paris Prefect of Police, Laurent Nuñez, provided updates directly to the IOC Executive Board. This further reinforced confidence that delivery partners are diligently implementing measures to create a safe and secure environment for all.

Milano Cortina 2026

Looking towards the next Olympic Winter Games, which are around one-and-a-half years away, the Organising Committee was joined in its report to the IOC EB by infrastructure agency Società Infrastrutture Milano Cortina 2026 (SiMiCo), represented by Commissioner Fabio Saldini. Their detailed presentation focused on key venue advancements, including critical projects such as the sliding centre in Cortina d’Ampezzo and the ski jumping stadium in Predazzo. The IOC Executive Board was reassured the projects are running according to the timelines, but noted these are extremely tight and cannot be delayed any further. The Organising Committee also highlighted the strong partnership with the IOC and International Federations, as well as robust support from stakeholders and the Italian government.

LA28

The LA28 team took the opportunity to update the Board on the appointment of their new CEO, Reynold Hoover, while also reporting on the latest progress being made by the Organising Committee as they get ready to take centre stage after Paris 2024. Hoover inherits an Organising Committee which will illustrate “What’s Next” in Paris, showcasing the renowned creativity of Los Angeles as it prepares for its handover segment during the Closing Ceremony. That moment, together with several on-ground activations planned in the French capital, will be the first opportunity for LA28 to showcase its preparations and vision to the international community.

Updates were also provided on venues and city agreements, and the continued success of LA28’s commercial programme, with the announcement of three more licensing and domestic partners since the last IOC Executive Board meeting in March.

In addition, LA28 confirmed that Emmy-winning writer/producer and Los Angeles arts leader Maria Arena Bell has been appointed as Chair of the LA28 Cultural Olympiad. She will work closely with various local stakeholders to assemble a team of arts professionals, curators, educators and advocates in the coming months to develop their cultural programmes.