Paris 2024 Olympic Games: A Spectacle on the Seine River
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are set to make history with an unprecedented opening ceremony on July 26, held along six kilometers of the Seine River. This grand event will feature 3,000 dancers, musicians, actors, and circus artists performing along the banks and bridges, witnessed by 326,000 ticket holders and 1.5 billion television viewers worldwide. The ceremony will also include a performance by French star Aya Nakamura, amid previous controversies and pressures surrounding her participation.
Technological Marvels and Stunning Visuals
The CEO of Olympic Broadcasting Services, Yiannis Acharkos, has revealed that the ceremony will be captured using eight drones, three helicopters, 230 cameras, and 200 mobile phones. These devices will be strategically placed on 94 boats carrying the athletes, ensuring viewers experience the event with dynamic angles and comprehensive coverage. The meticulous planning aims to make the global audience feel as though they are part of the festivities.
Closing Ceremony and Environmental Concerns
The closing ceremony on August 11, directed by Thomas Jolly, promises an extraordinary show themed 'Records,' featuring a massive 2,800 square meter stage at the Stade de France. The stadium will transform into a concert hall with over a hundred artists, acrobats, and dancers, complemented by world-renowned singers and stunning lighting effects. However, preparations for the opening ceremony have sparked controversy due to the felling of three century-old poplar trees along the Seine. The municipality has defended the action, citing the trees' poor health and imminent risk of falling, as confirmed by expert reports.
- Despite the excitement surrounding the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the removal of three poplar trees near the Seine has not gone unnoticed. The trees, deemed to be in poor health and at risk of falling, were cut down by Paris municipal services. This move has sparked emotional reactions and accusations of prioritizing the visibility for wealthy spectators who paid high prices for prime views of the opening ceremony.
- Municipal authorities have been quick to address the controversy, emphasizing that the decision was based solely on safety concerns. An expert report confirmed the trees' structural weaknesses, making them a hazard to passersby. The municipality also assured the public that two new trees would be planted next winter to replace the felled poplars.
- The timing of the tree removal, coinciding with preparations for the Olympics, has been criticized. However, municipal employees explained that the results of the traction test, which revealed the trees' fragility, were only available recently. They also noted the presence of mushrooms contributing to the trees' decline, necessitating their removal to ensure public safety.
