The Olympics. Paris 2024.

The media reported feelings of wariness before the Olympics in Paris.

BUT it has turned out to be a celebratory event. 🎉

Celebration. Encouragement. Connection. Inspiration. Peace.

And we were there. At the Olympics just last week!🥳We watched the women’s basketball at the Decathlon Arena (Lille).🏀

Who did we watch? Germany v Japan & Canada v Australia! The event, the vibe in the city – we made some great memories.

👉Quick Olympics history

The first type of event that linked culture and sport can be traced back to 776 BC in Greece to honour Zeus, the god of sky and weather. These early games were apparently banned in 393 AD.

Fast forward 1500 years to 1894 where a new Olympic event was organised… in Paris! After these Games the International Olympic Committee was formed. Its aim was to promote the physical and mental benefits & qualities of sports, friendship and peace.

Two years later, in 1896 the first official modern Games took place in Greece. The next one in 1900 in Paris, where women were allowed to compete too. The first winter games started in 1924, in the French Alps, and Paris hosted the summer games again that year. Paris had to wait another 100 years to host again…

👉Other notable dates
1960 – first official Paralympics held a week after the Olympic Games of Rome
1994 – the summer and winter Olympic Games were separated to two years apart
2016 – the Refugee Olympic Team was formed

👉Sports = ecological
Participating in sports is the most ecolo way of moving and having fun.

It can be done anywhere, often for free and outside; you can switch off and enjoy nature.

I, for one, cycle almost daily. Either to get to places, or for family cycle rides or I take out my racing bike.

🙌Greener Olympics at Paris

So, what eco measures are taken at Paris 2024?
-A pledge to reduce the Olympics carbon footprint by 50%, from building to operations – to include equipment, energy supply, transport & catering. If this target will be achieved, Paris 2024 will be the first Games to be aligned with the Paris Agreement
-100% renewable energy
-Serving more plant-based food. An interesting move for a meat-loving nation!
-Reusing: there is a big focus on using existing venues in Paris & other parts of the country
-Sustainable temporary venues have been built that can ‘just’ be disassembled. Only the Aquatics Centre has been built specifically (to serve the local communities afterwards)
-Sharing & renting equipment, from tents to computers & sports equipment
-Greenery has been planted in Paris
-Cycle lanes have been created and more pay-as-you-go bikes are available
-Venues are accessible by public transport & shuttle buses have been deployed
-Olympic apartments are planned to be converted to homes
-A pledge to reuse pretty much all of the equipment

I hope that you are enjoying the events! Olympics Paris 2024🥇