President Emmanuel Macron paid a visit to France’s National Institute of Sport and Performance (INSEP) on Tuesday, with the intention of boosting the spirits of the country’s athletes while emphasizing the importance of flawlessly organizing the Paris 2024 Olympics.
During his visit, Macron engaged with members of France’s judo team on the tatami, expressing his reliance on them in the upcoming Olympic year.
Addressing the team, he said, “I count on you not only to bring medals, but to inspire the youth. Do your best.”
He then turned to the coaches, inquiring, “Are you ready? Anyway, you’re under big pressure.”
Macron, expressed his confidence in France’s ability to finish in the “top five of the medals table” and addressed a thousand guests, including approximately 500 athletes, emphasizing that France should be fully prepared for the ‘unique opportunity’ of hosting the Games.
“We will pursue our efforts after 2024 as we also have to organise the 2030 (Winter) Games (in Nice), I give you my word it will be the case until the end of my term (in 2027),” he assured the audience.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are scheduled to take place from July 26-Aug. 11, followed by the Paralympics from Aug. 28-Sept. 8.
“Our organisation needs to be beyond reproach,” Macron emphasized, as he commended the team behind the Paris 2024 Games for their rigorous and creative work.
Expressing his concerns about security, Macron thanked law enforcement officers for their commitment in ensuring safety. He also referenced the massive challenge of public transportation for the event and the accessibility of competition venues for disabled individuals, emphasizing the importance of a successful outcome on these fronts.
He also hailed the Paris Games as ‘the greenest ever’, while acknowledging that there is still work to be done in making venues more accessible for disabled individuals.
(Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
