NEW DELHI: President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bachemphasize that there is that Paris Olympics it will be an extraordinary spectacle, taking place in the midst of an era of worldwide upheaval and increasing power that can be divided.
The statement came just four days before the opening ceremony of the Games. The French capital’s Olympics will introduce some novel elements, such as the opening ceremony taking place on a barge along the river Seine, breaking away from the traditional tradition of being held in the Olympic stadium.
The city’s landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, will be seamlessly integrated into the various competitions, with many events taking place in urban settings across Paris.
Another important milestone for the Paris Olympics is achievement gender equality, with the same number of male and female athletes participating in the Games. This is a historic step to promote gender equality in the Olympic movement.
“Like billions of people around the world, we are waiting impatiently for the youngest, most inclusive, most urban and most sustainable Games,” Bach told Reuters at the opening of the organization’s session in Paris.
“We believe that together with the whole world we will experience a spectacular Olympic Games,” he said, with the French President Emmanuel Macron in attendance.
The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will feature a staggering number of competitors, with more than 10,500 athletes from 206 national Olympic Committees taking part in the 16-day multi-sport extravaganza.
This is an important milestone for the French capital, as it hosts the Olympics for the first time in a century. To ensure the safety and security of all participants, more than 30,000 security personnel will be deployed throughout the event.
In his speech, Bach also drew attention to the challenges facing global sports organizations in what he called the new world order. At Chairman of the IOC emphasizes the need for the organization to adapt and evolve in response to the changing global landscape, while maintaining its commitment to Olympic values ​​and ideals.
“We are witnessing a new world order,” he said. “Historical disruption disrupts the system of international relations that has existed since World War II.”
“The trend is clear: economic decoupling; beggar-the-same; narrow personal interests trumping the rule of law; “Global South” vs “Global North”. Everywhere you look, multilateralism is on the back foot.
The IOC’s emphasis on solidarity is crucial, according to the organization’s president. This focus will be supported by the anticipated growth in revenue over the coming year, which will be allocated to various stakeholders, including the national Olympic committee and international federations.
The IOC has made significant financial commitments for the future, with $7.3 billion guaranteed for the period between 2025 and 2028. In addition, the organization has raised $6.2 billion in transactions covering the years 2029 to 2032.
However, the president also expressed concern about the potential disconnect between the Olympic movement and the younger generation, as lifestyles in the digital age continue to evolve. He emphasized the importance of adapting to these changes in order to maintain the relevance and appeal of the Olympic movement among young people.
“We can and we must change before we are changed,” said Bach. “For this to change we need to change our mindset. We need the mindset of digital natives. We need to go where the young people are, in the real world and the digital world.”
“If we want to stay relevant in our digital life, we have to engage with this generation of digital natives in a digital way of life,” he said.
The IOC is moving forward with plans to establish Olympic Esports Games, has reached a 12-year agreement with Saudi Arabia. This initiative aims to engage the younger demographic and strengthen their relationship with the Olympic brand.
“In these difficult times, there are many forces that can destroy people,” said Bach. “In this world of divisions, athletes represent our hope for a better future.”
The statement came just four days before the opening ceremony of the Games. The French capital’s Olympics will introduce some novel elements, such as the opening ceremony taking place on a barge along the river Seine, breaking away from the traditional tradition of being held in the Olympic stadium.
The city’s landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, will be seamlessly integrated into the various competitions, with many events taking place in urban settings across Paris.
Another important milestone for the Paris Olympics is achievement gender equality, with the same number of male and female athletes participating in the Games. This is a historic step to promote gender equality in the Olympic movement.
“Like billions of people around the world, we are waiting impatiently for the youngest, most inclusive, most urban and most sustainable Games,” Bach told Reuters at the opening of the organization’s session in Paris.
“We believe that together with the whole world we will experience a spectacular Olympic Games,” he said, with the French President Emmanuel Macron in attendance.
The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will feature a staggering number of competitors, with more than 10,500 athletes from 206 national Olympic Committees taking part in the 16-day multi-sport extravaganza.
This is an important milestone for the French capital, as it hosts the Olympics for the first time in a century. To ensure the safety and security of all participants, more than 30,000 security personnel will be deployed throughout the event.
In his speech, Bach also drew attention to the challenges facing global sports organizations in what he called the new world order. At Chairman of the IOC emphasizes the need for the organization to adapt and evolve in response to the changing global landscape, while maintaining its commitment to Olympic values ​​and ideals.
“We are witnessing a new world order,” he said. “Historical disruption disrupts the system of international relations that has existed since World War II.”
“The trend is clear: economic decoupling; beggar-the-same; narrow personal interests trumping the rule of law; “Global South” vs “Global North”. Everywhere you look, multilateralism is on the back foot.
The IOC’s emphasis on solidarity is crucial, according to the organization’s president. This focus will be supported by the anticipated growth in revenue over the coming year, which will be allocated to various stakeholders, including the national Olympic committee and international federations.
The IOC has made significant financial commitments for the future, with $7.3 billion guaranteed for the period between 2025 and 2028. In addition, the organization has raised $6.2 billion in transactions covering the years 2029 to 2032.
However, the president also expressed concern about the potential disconnect between the Olympic movement and the younger generation, as lifestyles in the digital age continue to evolve. He emphasized the importance of adapting to these changes in order to maintain the relevance and appeal of the Olympic movement among young people.
“We can and we must change before we are changed,” said Bach. “For this to change we need to change our mindset. We need the mindset of digital natives. We need to go where the young people are, in the real world and the digital world.”
“If we want to stay relevant in our digital life, we have to engage with this generation of digital natives in a digital way of life,” he said.
The IOC is moving forward with plans to establish Olympic Esports Games, has reached a 12-year agreement with Saudi Arabia. This initiative aims to engage the younger demographic and strengthen their relationship with the Olympic brand.
“In these difficult times, there are many forces that can destroy people,” said Bach. “In this world of divisions, athletes represent our hope for a better future.”
