The Paris Olympics are set to kick off in 100 days with a goal of being socially positive, less polluting, and less wasteful, hoping to set a new standard for future events. While many Parisians plan to leave the city to avoid disruptions or rent their homes to visitors, approval and excitement are high among some locals, like 10-year-old swimmer Lyla Kebbi, whose club will inherit an Olympic pool after the Games. The ambitious waterborne opening ceremony aims to not only be a spectacle but also have a positive impact on disadvantaged Paris suburbs.
Paris is taking a unique approach to hosting the Olympics, focusing on spreading benefits beyond the central city and prioritizing disadvantaged communities in the Seine-Saint-Denis region. This region is known for its poverty and diversity, with sports providing a route out for many kids. Although the Games will leave a legacy of new and refurbished sports infrastructure, critics believe the investment is not enough to catch up with better-equipped regions. However, the IOC sees this as an opportunity to showcase a more virtuous type of Summer Games that could lead to their long-term survival.
With expenses totaling close to $9.7 billion, Paris’ costs for the Olympics compare favorably to past Games such as Tokyo, Rio, and London. The majority of funding comes from sponsors, ticket sales, and other non-public sources, with French taxpayers likely to contribute about $3.25 billion. Security remains a top concern for the city, which has been targeted by extremist violence in the past. Precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of spectators, leading to changes in logistics and crowd sizes for the opening ceremony.
The IOC hopes that the Paris Olympics will help dispel skepticism surrounding the event, following scandals and high costs associated with previous Games. By emphasizing sobriety and not constructing unnecessary sports facilities, Paris aims to leave a positive legacy for the future. The hand-me-down Olympic pool being given to the Seine-Saint-Denis town of Sevran is a significant upgrade and a part of the larger plan to benefit all surrounding communities in the long term.
While there are concerns about surveillance technology, potential strikes, and disruptions caused by the Olympics, fans are eagerly awaiting the event in hopes that it will bring people together despite temporary divisions. The excitement for the upcoming Games is felt by volunteers like Ayaovi Atindehou, who sees the Olympics as an opportunity for people from all backgrounds to come together and celebrate. The success of the Paris Olympics could not only provide a model for future events but also strengthen the global community during tumultuous times.
