With one last big show on the Champs-Élysées, Paris thanked its athletes – and said its final goodbye to the Summer Games. Over 300 Olympic and Paralympic athletes from France, including more than 100 medal winners, as well as thousands of helpers and volunteers came. 70,000 spectators cheered them on enthusiastically.
The “Parade of Champions” on the Parisian boulevard lasted over two hours, with the athletes being celebrated by the public on a catwalk. The parade ended at the Arc de Triomphe, and the medal winners were awarded various national medals.
Head of state Macron wants annual “festival of sport”
Following the ceremony with French President Emmanuel Macron, a huge concert was planned with artists who took part in the four ceremonies of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Spectators could attend the parade and the show for free, but had to get an online ticket beforehand. The 70,000 seats were sold out in just two hours.
Following the success of the Games, Macron wants to set up a “sports festival” to be held every year on September 14. He wants the French, young and not so young, to devote themselves to sport through events and competitions, as he explained in the newspaper “Le Parisien”. This will encourage daily sport practice.
In order to preserve the memories of the games for as long as possible, Macron also supports the proposals of Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo. The socialist politician wants to keep the Olympic rings hanging on the Eiffel Tower at least until the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. The Olympic brazier in the Tuileries, which has become a tourist magnet, should also remain as long as possible.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:240914-930-232594/1
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