Paris to float athletes down the Seine in 2024 in biggest Olympic launch event ever
The Guardian
|December 14, 2021
Organisers of the Paris 2024 Olympics have unveiled an ambitious plan for the biggest opening ceremony in history, with a 6km (3.7-mile) parade of athletes in boats along the Seine watched by 600,000 people.
The athletes, carried in 160 boats, will pass many famous landmarks, including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.
Dozens of artistic performances are expected to take place, including BMX stunt riders leaping high over bridges. The ceremony will conclude with a final show at the Place du Trocadéro, which faces the Eiffel Tower. Most of it will be free to spectators.
Tony Estanguet, the president of the Paris 2024 organising committee, told the Guardian it would be the most “audacious and accessible” ceremony in the history of the Games.
“It’s not the easiest way to deliver the Games, but it is our duty to be really ambitious,” he said.
Dit verhaal komt uit de December 14, 2021-editie van The Guardian.
Abonneer u op Magzter GOLD voor toegang tot duizenden zorgvuldig samengestelde premiumverhalen en meer dan 9000 tijdschriften en kranten.
Bent u al abonnee? Aanmelden
MEER VERHALEN VAN The Guardian
The Guardian
BP announces its first female CEO as Auchincloss quits after just two years
BP's board has appointed its first female chief executive in a move to revive the oil company's fortunes, after ousting Murray Auchincloss less than two years into his role.
2 mins
December 19, 2025
The Guardian
Government denies trying to break jailed pro-Palestine activists
The government is “not trying to break the bodies” of Palestine Action protesters on hunger strike, a minister has insisted, after a doctor said eight of the activists are dying.
1 mins
December 19, 2025
The Guardian
England's hopes melt away in sun as Cummins glows with authority
Tourists teetering 158 behind after Australia captain leads fine bowling display by hosts
4 mins
December 19, 2025
The Guardian
EU leaders race to reach deal on funding Ukraine
European Union leaders are racing to secure a funding deal for Ukraine that has been cast as a choice between “money today or blood tomorrow”, as Belgium comes under rising pressure over its opposition to a loan secured against Russia's frozen assets.
3 mins
December 19, 2025
The Guardian
New Epstein photos show quotes from Lolita written on women
Images released before deadline for Department of Justice to publish files
3 mins
December 19, 2025
The Guardian
Rayner memoir fuels leadership speculation
Angela Rayner is writing a memoir about her rise to become deputy prime minister and her subsequent fall from grace, the Guardian can confirm, in a move that will be seen as an attempt to set the narrative before any leadership contest.
3 mins
December 19, 2025
The Guardian
Lyon’s wait for golden wickets is finally over
Going second on Australia’s all-time list, the off-spinner kept his cool on return as temperatures soared
3 mins
December 19, 2025
The Guardian
Bank of England cuts interest rates to 3.75% in boost for economy
The Bank of England has cut interest rates by a quarter point, giving a pre-Christmas boost to the struggling UK economy, but a split vote among its rate setters pointed to continued concerns about inflation.
3 mins
December 19, 2025
The Guardian
China introduces condom tax as it tries to boost birthrate
China is set to impose a value-added tax (VAT) on condoms and other contraceptives for the first time in three decades, as the country tries to boost its birthrate and modernise tax laws.
2 mins
December 19, 2025
The Guardian
Kenyan vet Munyua bites back to neuter De Decker
The Kenyan debutant David Munyua created one of the biggest shocks in the history of the PDC World Darts Championship by beating the 18th seed, Mike De Decker.
1 mins
December 19, 2025
Translate
Change font size

