Paris 2024 Opts for Temporary Swimming Arena; Publishes Signed Joint Funding Protocol

While the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo may be on the forefront of the minds of athletes, coaches, and spectators alike, the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee has been cruising along in their preparations for when they host the Olympic Games. In the last week, Paris 2024 organizers have met and signed the Paris 2024 Protocol, which outlines the proposed financial budget for the entirety of the Games and restricts public spending to that of the original proposal of $1.8 billion.

Tony Estranguet, the President of the Paris 2024 organization, explained that,

“We want these Games to surprise people – with the celebration and the capacity to meet citizens’ expectations, and also in terms of keeping to the budget envelope agreed. The signing of this protocol is proof of the merits of our approach, and the product of collective work towards an ambition shared by all stakeholders.” 

Of the edits made between the original September bid and the current proposal is the removal of a 15,000 capacity permanent aquatics venue that was to be built along the side of the Stade de France.

The swimming events will now be held in a temporary venue that will still hold a capacity of 15,000 spectators. There will be a permanent arena built for the water polo events that will house 5,000 spectators during the Games, but will reduce to 2,500 following the conclusion of the Games. The arena will also include a 50-meter and 25-meter pool.

The official Paris 2024 Joint Protocol explained the following provisions, stating,

“The Olympic Aquatics Centre will remain a permanent facility, but with a redefined concept to help control costs, while also delivering a stronger legacy for local residents and, in particular, the children of Seine-Saint-Denis. The Games project will ultimately lead to the creation of eight legacy pools, in place of the five originally planned. They will help to meet a real need in a department with a significant shortage of community sports facilities, and where only half of children leave primary school able to swim. This significant and meaningful legacy can be comfortably accommodated within the Games budget. To enable it, Paris 2024 will increase its financial contribution to the project by more than 40 million Euros compared to its bid-phase provision.” 

So far, Paris 2024 continues to keep their budget at a low price with the overall budget for hosting initially estimated to be approximately $8.3 billion, while the 2012 London Games were reported to have cost $12.35 billion.

Click here to read the full updated report from Inside The Games.

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