2023-08-28 17:27:42
A year to talk about it, a year to attract. This is the objective of the Ministry of Sports and that of solidarity, one year from the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, from August 28 to September 8. With 2.8 million places available from October 9 (when Rio in 2016 had only 2.2, Ed)Paris has set itself ambitious goals: to get a French public that is usually reluctant to follow para-sport competitions to travel.
Attractive prices
To do this, the Organizing Committee relies on attractive prices. Unlike the Olympics, there is no draw, but a first-come, first-served system, with tickets – apart from the opening and closing ceremonies – reasonably accessible. Of the 2.8 million tickets on sale next fall, half will be €25 or less. For the most expensive places, especially during the final rounds, the price will be €100. There will also be discovery passes at €24, allowing spectators to see several parasports for a day. “The goal is for it to be full. It’s very ambitious, but that’s the goal and there’s everything to achieve it.” also assures Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, to AFP.
“These prizes are quite accessible and should encourage our compatriots to come and support their athletes. », plebiscite for his part Fadila Khattabi, minister delegate in charge of disabled people. « If we want to change the way we look at disability, the Games are an excellent lever”says the manager. “To move towards a more united, fairer France, we have to count on everyone: the citizens, the companies that can offer their employees places, and media coverage to match. »
Accessibility, spearhead of the Games
If the City of Light will be the scene of performances by 4,400 para-athletes for ten days, the spotlight will also be on the major Parisian construction sites around disability, and accessibility will be pointed out.
“There will undeniably be a Games effect”promises Fadila Khattabi. “As for the rail network, we have 240 stations which are already accessible in the Ile-de-France region, in particular all those which will serve the competition venues, which is a great improvement. » At the truck stop, 550 bus lines are now adapted, representing 93% of traffic. “Here too there has been a significant effort. We cannot say that nothing has been done. »
The metro, on the other hand, is a shadow on the board. Only line 14, fully automated, is 100% accessible. “We are well aware of the difficulties, but we are working in this direction”, assures the minister. The promise of 1,000 disabled taxis will also be fulfilled between now and the Games, according to the ministry. “We are at 70-75% currently so we will be on schedule. Beyond the Games, we must continue in this direction, undeniably. »
Change the look
If attracting crowds seems to be the watchword, the Organizing Committee and its partners wish to do so for good reasons. “The French remain for the most part novices in the Paralympic Games, they know few athletes, so for a year you have to bring them to understand that it is above all sport”explains Marie-Amélie Le Fur, president of the French Paralympic and Sports Committee (CPSF), promising that “teaching materials” will be developed in this direction.
“Through all these great para-athletes, who have trained for years, with great energy and determination, it is important for us to support them”recalls for his part Fadila Khattabi. “Behind each of them, there is a life story. Their performances show that disability has its place in our society, including in high-level sport, explains the minister. That’s really the message of these Games: para-athletes are champions and we need to support them. »
With this aim of raising awareness, a new Paralympic Day will take place the day before the opening of the ticket office, on October 8, on the Place de la République in Paris.
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