The 100-day countdown to the Paris Olympics opening ceremony is marked on April 17, with officials aiming for a socially positive, less polluting, and less wasteful Games to set a new standard for future events. Many Parisians plan to leave or rent their homes to avoid disruptions from the expected 15 million visitors. 10-year-old Lyla Kebbi eagerly awaits the end of the Games as her swimming club will inherit an Olympic pool that will be dismantled and moved to Sevran, providing new facilities for local residents.
The socially positive and less polluting Paris Olympics are set to have a significant impact on disadvantaged suburbs away from the city-center landmarks hosting most of the events. The hope is that these Games will set a new standard for future events, as many potential host cities have become Games-averse due to past scandals and high costs. A positive outcome for the Paris Olympics could help ensure the long-term survival of mega-events like the Olympics.
The Paris Olympics are designed to benefit disadvantaged communities in the Seine-Saint-Denis region northeast of Paris, one of mainland France’s poorest regions. The Games aim to provide a legacy of new and refurbished sports infrastructure, although critics argue that further investment is needed. The Games’ impact on the Seine-Saint-Denis region is a priority, given its history of industrial decline and social issues.
Paris’ costs for the Olympics compare favorably to past Games, with expenses around $9.7 billion, over half of which comes from sponsors, ticket sales, and other non-public funding. However, security remains a challenge, with concerns about video surveillance technology and the treatment of the homeless during the event. With Parisians planning to leave the city and potential strikes from trade unions pushing for Olympic bonuses, the lead-up to the Games is not without challenges.
The Games will leave a lasting legacy in Seine-Saint-Denis, with the construction of new facilities benefiting local communities long after the Olympics have ended. The ambition for these Games is to ensure that they benefit everyone and have a positive impact on the region for years to come. Despite the challenges and criticisms, the Paris Olympics are expected to bring people together and celebrate the spirit of unity and sport on a global scale.
