The Olympic Village in Saint-Denis, France, has officially welcomed its first athletes for the 2024 Summer Games in Paris. Spanning nearly 134 acres, the village is set to host approximately 10,500 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees, including the IOC Refugee Olympic Team.
A Landmark Moment
International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach, along with Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet and IOC Coordination Commission Chair Pierre-Olivier Beckers-Vieujant, toured the village during the welcoming ceremony. Bach expressed his enthusiasm and pride for the upcoming games, emphasizing the years of preparation and the high standards achieved.
“Finally, we are here. It has been a long journey these seven years, but it has been a hugely rewarding one. We have a wonderful Olympic Village, and all the ingredients for a great Olympic Games are here,” Bach remarked. He also noted the exceptional quality of the venues and the growing excitement in France.
Sustainable and Responsible Games
A key focus for the 2024 Paris Games is sustainability. The Olympic Village embodies this commitment with its eco-friendly design. Solar panels and green roofs cover the athletes’ accommodations, ensuring efficient energy use. The village’s buildings under eight floors are constructed from sustainable materials like wood and glass, and energy is sourced from heat pumps and renewables. These features aim to make the Paris Games the most responsible and sustainable in history.
Post-Games Transformation
After the Paralympics conclude on September 8, the Olympic Village will undergo a significant transformation. The village, which comprises 82 buildings, will be repurposed into office space for 6,000 workers and apartments for another 6,000 residents. This initiative aims to revitalize Paris’s historically impoverished northern suburbs.
The village is strategically located at the juncture of three diverse neighborhoods: Saint-Denis, Saint-Ouen, and Ile-Saint-Denis. Saint-Denis is a working-class area known for its cultural diversity but also for its challenges with crime and insecurity. Saint-Ouen is experiencing rapid gentrification, while Ile-Saint-Denis is an island on the Seine River.
Community Impact
Paris 2024 officials have committed to ensuring that the benefits of the Games extend beyond the event itself. In Saint-Denis and Saint-Ouen, 32% of the new homes built for the Games will be allocated for public housing. In Ile-Saint-Denis, 48% of the new homes will serve the same purpose. This initiative is part of a broader effort to provide lasting benefits to the local communities and address housing needs.
Conclusion
The Olympic Village in Saint-Denis stands as a testament to Paris 2024’s commitment to excellence, sustainability, and community impact. As athletes settle into their new home for the Games, the village not only prepares to host an unforgettable event but also promises a lasting legacy for the local community. The blend of athletic prowess, environmental responsibility, and social commitment marks a new chapter in the history of the Olympic Games, setting a high standard for future events.
