Exploring the 2024 Olympic Village in Paris
As anticipation builds for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, one of the most exciting aspects for athletes and spectators is the Olympic Village. This bustling hub will serve as the home away from home for thousands of athletes from around the world during the Games. Let's take a closer look at what the 2024 Olympic Village in Paris has in store for its temporary residents.
Location and Design: Situated in the heart of Paris, the 2024 Olympic Village will offer athletes a prime location to soak in the city's rich history and vibrant culture. The village will feature a modern design with sustainable architecture, emphasizing eco-friendly practices to align with the Olympic Games' commitment to sustainability. Organisers aim to cut the carbon footprint of the Games by 50% compared to the average of London 2012 and Rio 2016. One way they are being sustainable is by recycling 18 grams of Eiffel Tower iron into Olympic Medals and using 100% reylced material for the gold and silver medals.
Accommodation: Athletes can expect state-of-the-art accommodations designed for comfort and relaxation between competitions. Each living space will be equipped with amenities to support their physical and mental well-being, including comfortable beds, relaxation areas, mediation rooms, arcades and spaces for socializing with fellow athletes.
Dining Options: A highlight of any Olympic Village is its dining facilities, and Paris 2024 promises an exceptional culinary experience. Athletes will have access to a variety of international cuisines prepared by top chefs, ensuring they receive the nutrition and energy required for peak performance. See below for photos of the Parisian Bakery, the Asain cuisine themed dining hall and the Corona outdoor bar area.
Recreational Facilities: Beyond competition venues, the Olympic Village will offer a range of recreational activities to help athletes unwind and stay in top form. From fitness centers and swimming pools to relaxation zones and entertainment areas, there will be plenty of opportunities for athletes to recharge and socialize outside of their designated training times.
Transportation and Accessibility: Paris is renowned for its efficient transportation system, and the Olympic Village will be well-connected to key venues and the city center. Athletes will have easy access to shuttle services and public transportation, including trains and buses making it convenient to explore Paris and attend various Olympic events. There's accessable transportation services for paralympic athetes too with the "mobility for all" inititive (click here to read more on this).
Community and Atmosphere: The Olympic Village is not just a place to stay; it's a vibrant community where athletes from different nations come together to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie. It fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect and support, creating lasting memories and friendships beyond the competition. So far team NZ has had waiata's performed, athlete's have been gifted pounamu and teams welcomed to the village by other kiwi athletes ahead of competitions starting in a few days.
Legacy and Sustainability: After the Games conclude, the infrastructure of the Olympic Village will contribute to Paris' legacy as a sustainable city. Plans include repurposing and transforming the village into residential or mixed-use developments, ensuring a lasting positive impact on the local community and environment. All athletes beds will be able to be recylced as they are made of cardboard! According to athletes they're comfy and they can be adjusted for various heights of athletes competing from gymnasts to basketball players.
The 2024 Olympic Village in Paris promises to be a haven for athletes, combining world-class accommodations with the charm and allure of one of the world's most beloved cities. It will be a place where dreams are pursued, friendships are forged, and sporting excellence is celebrated on a global stage. As we wait the start of the Games, the Olympic Village stands ready to welcome more athletes and spectators alike to experience the magic of Paris and the thrill of the Olympics.
-Images from facebook: The NZ Team and other media
