Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony still planned to be held on the Seine River

On April 3, French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera said there was currently no “specific” terrorist threat against the Paris Olympic Games and that organizers were planning to hold the opening ceremony on the Seine River.

The symbol of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. Illustration photo: AFP/VNA

Speaking on France 2, Ms. Oudea-Castera made it clear that the opening ceremony on the Seine River will still take place according to the "main plan", but a backup plan is also being prepared.

Instead of a parade through the stadium, this year’s opening ceremony will feature a flotilla of boats carrying athletes along the Seine River, watched by 500,000 spectators. All participating countries, including the United States and Israel, have confirmed they will participate in the river parade. Rehearsals for the opening ceremony will take place on May 27 and June 17.

Security forces are screening 1 million people ahead of the world's biggest sporting event, according to the French Interior Ministry. Organizers have previously ruled out moving the opening ceremony, but have suggested scaling back the event, such as allowing only performers, not athletes, to board boats.

The attack on the Crocus City Hall theater near Moscow last month that killed at least 140 people has raised security concerns for the Paris Olympics, which are scheduled to begin on July 26. Following the attack in Russia, the French government raised its terror alert to its highest level, with security forces maintaining a greater presence around potential targets such as government buildings, transport infrastructure or schools.

The Olympic Games have been the target of attacks in the past, including in Munich in 1972 and in Atlanta in 1996.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/le-khai-mac-olympic-paris-2024-van-duoc-len-ke-hoach-to-chuc-tren-song-seine-post382330.html