Olympians and fans invited to experience “Games Wide Open” at celebrations in heart of the city

Darren is a director at The Fan Experience Company.He has a background in working on customer service excellence projects in the UK and Europe, and an MBA that included studying in the United States. A UEFA Mentor and Fan Experience Company consultant, Darren works with clubs across Europe to improve the match-day experience and increase attendance through engagement with fans

Tens of thousands of fans have been celebrating with medal-winning athletes at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, soaking up the electric atmosphere in the Champions Park, a unique and free-to-access venue with a stunning outlook onto the Eiffel Tower.

Since opening, the Champions Park has welcomed more than 77,000 visitors so far, who have come to celebrate with Olympic medallists at the Trocadéro Gardens. This new initiative has quickly become the place to be at Paris 2024, with athletes being encouraged to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Throughout the Games, hundreds of medal winners will have the opportunity to be presented to the crowd by sporting legends, creating unforgettable memories for Olympians and fans alike.

Many athletes who have visited the Champions Park have been blown away by the reception. France’s silver medallist in the mountain biking cross-country event, Victor Koretzky, said: “I had a talk with [gold medallist in women’s mountain bike] Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, who did this two days ago, and she told me it was amazing. So, I decided to come here with my family to just enjoy the moment. And it was worth it!

I felt like a rockstar in the middle of the stage!

Victor KoretzkyFrance’s silver medallist in the mountain biking cross-country event

US rugby sevens bronze medallist Lauren Doyle was another who enjoyed her time at the Champions Park. She said: “I’ve never experienced something like that. To be able to take in the moment and celebrate what we just accomplished was out of this world. It’s a fantastic idea, and it was a really special moment for us.”

The Champions Park will be open to the public daily from 4 to 11.30 p.m. (all times CEST) from 29 July to 10 August (although closed on 30 July and from 2 to 4 August). Additionally, the park will open at noon on 9 and 10 August, featuring an athletes' celebration at 3 p.m. each day.

It will also be a place where Olympians from previous Games will be celebrated. There will be a medal ceremony for the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 figure skating team event on 7 August, as well as medal reallocations for athletes from the Olympic Games Sydney 2000, Beijing 2008 and London 2012 on 9 August.

To enhance the festive atmosphere, Paris 2024 is hosting an artistic programme as part of the Cultural Olympiad. This includes dance, music and various fun activities on the Trocadéro stage, setting the mood for the arrival of the athletes. In the evening, Olympic fans also have the opportunity to follow competitions broadcast on giant screens and cheer for their favourite athletes.

Elsewhere, Club Paris 2024 venues have welcomed more than two million visitors, who have been soaking up the Olympic spirit at various locations across France.

More than 160 Club Paris 2024 sites have already been set up, in Paris, elsewhere in Île-de-France and across the country, from small towns like Méral in Mayenne to cities such as Dijon. These clubs, supported by the host communities and Terre de Jeux 2024, are ensuring the Olympic Games are a nationwide celebration.

At the Nations Park in La Villette, over 320,000 visitors have been exploring the “houses” of 15 National Olympic Committees from countries like Brazil, Canada, India and South Africa.

Open from 10 a.m. until midnight each day, these spaces offer a blend of sporting and cultural events, including the opportunity to try out numerous sports and Para-sports activities.
One of the highlights in the Nations Park is Club France, located at the Grande Halle de la Villette. These headquarters for French team supporters have been extremely popular, with daily attendances exceeding 30,000. Fans visiting this venue have been trying out nearly 130 sports, celebrating medal winners and enjoying mini-concerts and DJ sets.

For all the latest information and event details, fans can use the Games Map on the official Paris 2024 app and website.

These fan engagement initiatives are not only bringing people together but are also creating unparalleled atmospheres for athletes and fans alike, living up to Paris 2024’s vision of creating “Games Wide Open”.

Original article published 03.08.2024 on the Official website for the 2024 Olympic Games.

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