Paris Olympics to Bring Legacy of Change and Hope to Disadvantaged Suburbs

In less than 3 months, the Paris Olympics will commence with an extraordinary opening ceremony. However, these Games are not only about spectacle but also about leaving a lasting positive impact on the disadvantaged suburbs. The city aims to make the future Olympics more environmentally friendly and socially beneficial. Such a vision becomes even more crucial, given the skepticism surrounding the value of mega-events like the Olympics, especially in the face of global challenges such as climate change and emergencies.

Promising Change for Seine-Saint-Denis

The 2024 Olympics aim to benefit the disadvantaged communities in Seine-Saint-Denis, the poorest region in mainland France. This vibrant and diverse area, with 1.6 million inhabitants representing 130 nationalities and speaking over 170 languages, has faced various challenges, including industrial decline, rioting, and security threats. The Olympics promise a legacy of new and refurbished sports infrastructure, offering hope to the youth of the region.

Impact on Sports Facilities

The most exciting development is the plan to dismantle the Olympic swimming pool after the Games and transport it to Sevran, a town in the Seine-Saint-Denis region. Once reassembled, this pool will provide the young swimmers like Lyla Kebbi with access to a new Olympic-sized pool, representing a significant upgrade for the town.

Meeting the Ambition

The organizers have emphasized their ambition to ensure that the benefits of these Olympics reach everyone and endure for the longest time possible. The focus is on creating lasting positive changes and not building sports facilities that become obsolete after the Games.

Financial and Security Challenges

With the projected cost of over 9 billion euros, the expenses for the Paris Olympics are being closely monitored. The allocation of funds, including the contribution from private sources and taxpayers, has been a subject of scrutiny. Additionally, security remains a challenge, with concerns about the safety of the event in light of previous extremist violence in the city.