Nicolas Batum's Absence Raises Concerns Ahead of Paris Games
The French Basketball Federation announced that captain Nicolas Batum will miss the crucial preparation match against Canada due to a viral syndrome. This match, taking place just eight days before the Paris Olympics, is significant as both teams are strong contenders for the podium. Coach Vincent Collet expressed hope for Batum's return, emphasizing the importance of not risking the health of other players. Batum, who was recently involved in carrying the Olympic flame, remains in Paris while the team prepares for the upcoming games.
Unacceptable Living Conditions for Student Peacekeepers
In a concerning turn of events, police unions have raised alarms over the living conditions of the student peacekeepers mobilized for the Paris Olympic Games. Approximately 300 civil servants housed at the Crous Poissonnier in the 18th arrondissement discovered unsanitary conditions, including rooms infested with cockroaches and other pests. Photos shared on social media revealed the dire state of the accommodations, prompting immediate action from the General Directorate of National Police. Despite initial fumigation efforts, reports indicate that pests have returned, leading to ongoing concerns about the welfare of those tasked with ensuring security during the Olympics.
- The decision to keep Batum out of the match is part of a broader strategy to ensure player health leading up to the Olympics. The French team is taking a cautious approach, especially after Victor Wembanyama also faced health issues earlier in the preparation phase. Meanwhile, the situation for the student peacekeepers highlights broader issues of preparedness for the Olympic Games. The unions are calling for better accommodations and oversight to ensure that those responsible for security during the Games are not subjected to such conditions.
