Paris Prepares for Olympic Games with Seine Swim Event
The mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, along with Tony Estanguet, the president of the organizing committee for the Olympic Games, and Marc Guillaume, the prefect of Ile-de-France, are set to swim in the Seine on Wednesday morning. This event, confirmed by City Hall, is a precursor to the Olympic Games and the competitions planned in the river. The Minister of Sports and Games, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, had already taken a dip in the Seine on Saturday.
Ensuring the Seine's Water Quality
The swim will take place at 8:30 a.m. on Bras Marie, between the Saint-Paul district and Île Saint-Louis, a location previously used by open water swimmers in the summer of 2023. The town hall emphasizes that the event's success depends on several factors, including weather conditions, water quality, and flow. Recent analyses have shown positive results, with the Seine's bacteriological quality meeting the required standards for events like the triathlon, para-triathlon, and marathon swimming.
Olympic Torch Relay Begins
In a related event, the Olympic flame began its journey through Paris on Sunday, following the National Day celebrations. Former football star Thierry Henry was the first to carry the torch. The relay started at the end of a military parade and will cover approximately 60 km over two days, involving around 540 people. The torch relay is a symbolic gesture that signifies the beginning of the Olympic Games and aims to unite the community in anticipation of the event.
- After the swim, an open water competition featuring many licensed swimmers will be organized. The town hall reminds participants that the event's success is contingent on weather, water quality, and flow.
- The Seine's water quality has been a point of concern, especially after poor analyses in June due to rainy weather. However, recent tests have shown improved results, with the river's content of fecal bacteria E.Coli meeting the required standards.
- The Olympic Games have accelerated the plan to clean up the Seine, with 1.4 billion euros invested in decontamination efforts. This includes treating 50% of residences with poor connections and correcting the poor connections of 23,000 homes upstream of Paris.
- Besides swimming, private security remains a significant concern for the Olympic Games, with 700 more personnel still needed.
- The Olympic torch relay, which began on Sunday, will cross the heart of Paris and end at the Place de la République with a free concert. The event is heavily secured, with 1,600 police and gendarmerie officers supervising the relay.
