“For being very scrupulous, very professional [prancūzų pareigūnų] point of view, we are all convinced that the opening ceremony on the Seine River can be held and that this opening ceremony will become a symbol, will be unforgettable for the athletes, and that everyone will be safe,” said Th. Bach.
The extremely ambitious ceremony, which will take place on July 26, raises a lot of doubts. Instead of the traditional scheme, when the opening parade of athletes takes place in the stadium, in Paris, athletes will sail on boats on the Seine River, watched by up to 500,000 spectators. spectators, as well as from adjacent buildings.
There is talk that French officials will have to move or change the opening ceremony due to security threats.
French President Emmanuel Macron said last week that the ceremony could be moved to the national stadium Stade de France, although organizers have ruled out such a possibility.
“Everyone is determined to hold the opening ceremony on the Seine River, […] at the same time considering all other scenarios,” explained Th. Bach.
He said he hopes for a return of spectators in Paris to revive the Olympic spirit after the Tokyo Games, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, were held in stadiums with empty stands.
Tags: IOC chief Paris Olympics opening ceremony Seine river symbol
