Paris 2024 promises to deliver spectacular Olympic Games

The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bid Committee on Friday, ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games opening ceremony, said the French capital promises to host a spectacular and engaging Games.

Paris 2024 will place sport at the very heart of society with a long-term focus to place Olympism in everyday life in Paris and across the world, Xinhua news agency cited the committee as saying.

"The values of Olympism -- excellence, friendship and respect are universal principles that are aligned to the values of France -- Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite," France President Francois Hollande said.

"At the very heart of our bid is a strong and clear ambition to host a spectacular centenary Games for Paris and the Olympic Movement that will showcase our strength of character and demonstrate to the world that the famous values of Olympism are stronger than ever," Hollande said.

Paris 2024 Co-Chairman, Tony Estanguet, echoed that Paris proposes an incredible live setting for the games and an amazing celebration of sport.

"From the Eiffel Tower to the Chateau de Versailles, from the Stade de France to Roland-Garros, our games Plan will be compact and tailor-made for Olympic fans, media, officials and, most of all, athletes. We are proud to say Paris 2024 is led by athletes, designed with athletes and made for athletes," said the former Olympic champion of canoe.

"Olympism is in the DNA of France -- where Pierre de Coubertin first brought to life the idea of a better world through sport. We last hosted the games in 1924 and we want to make a Paris 2024 Centenary Games a spectacular celebration of Olympism for the modern world and the next generation," he added.

Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, expressed the city's longing for the games.

"Paris is one of the most iconic cities in the world and we want to be at the service of the games and ensure a wonderful celebration of Olympism in 2024," said Hidalgo.

"Paris is full of diversity, open to the world, dynamic and always creative and we welcome all global visitors in the City of Light. Parisians look to the future with enthusiasm and optimism and it would be an honour to share our city with the world.

"Paris has a rich passion for sport and a strong desire to host major sports events such as the recent successful Euro 2016 -- highlighting the city's first-class hosting capabilities and love for all sport," she added.

Olympic gold medalist, Paris 2024 Athletes' Committee Co-Chair and Team France Flag Bearer, Teddy Riner, said: "I am extremely proud to be here representing Paris 2024 as Flag Bearer for Team France. Being elected by fellow athletes is a huge honour."

"For over a year, I have also been Co-Chair of the Paris 2004 Athletes Committee with Paralympic Champion Marie-Amelie le Fur. We are happy and proud to help drive the Paris 2024 project and play a key role in the design of the games plan.

"Athletes are contributing to and enriching this project every day to provide fellow athletes from around the world the promise of exceptional games," he said.

--IANS

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