International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach expressed commendation for Paris 2024’s progress in gearing up for next year’s Olympics during his visit to the athletes’ village on Friday. Bach, along with members of the IOC executive committee, concluded a four-day visit in Paris, culminating with a tour of the village in the Seine Saint-Denis department, just north of central Paris.
Walking through the 86 buildings set to house more than 14,500 athletes, Bach remarked, “It’s always a great moment to be in an Olympic village because once the Games are over, the athletes will speak about the village.” He emphasized that the village serves as the heart of the Olympic Games, offering excellent conditions for athletes. Bach praised the compact and pragmatic layout, highlighting the wonderful scenery.
“The entire IOC executive board is very happy, very satisfied with the stage of the preparations,” Bach added, expressing collective approval from the IOC.
Paris 2024 president Tony Estanguet echoed the positive sentiments, confirming that preparations for the athletes’ village were progressing on schedule. “The athletes’ village is being finalized,” Estanguet stated. “As scheduled, it will be delivered in early March so the organizing committee will be able to prepare it for the athletes upon their arrival on July 15.”
Despite a gas leak on the construction site in the morning, the visit proceeded smoothly. The Olympic Games are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11. Post the event, the athletes’ village will undergo a transformation into a 2,800-apartment neighborhood. Approximately 25% of these apartments will be available for sale, while the remainder will serve as social housing and apartments for rent. This dual-purpose plan aims to leave a lasting legacy beyond the Olympic event itself.
The collaborative efforts and positive evaluations from both the IOC and Paris 2024 organizers signify a promising outlook for the upcoming Olympics in the iconic city.
