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The 2024 Paris Olympics embraced sustainability and legacy by utilizing temporary sports facilities and redistributing them to underprivileged areas. The iconic swimming pool where Leon Marchand triumphed with four gold medals is being dismantled and relocated to Sevran, a suburb with limited aquatic facilities. The pool will be renamed the "Leon Marchand Pool" and will be funded by the Paris 2024 organizing committee, while the local council will cover operational costs.Another training pool from the Defense Arena will be divided in half, with one part forming a new 25-meter pool in Bagnolet. The Seine-Saint-Denis region, which received the majority of Games-related infrastructure investments, will benefit from these facilities.Temporary stadiums erected at historic locations are also being dismantled. The BMX park from Place de la Concorde has been relocated to Cluses for a future world event, while the sand from the Eiffel Tower beach volleyball court has been donated to a sports center in Marville. Marville is also expected to receive one of the skate parks, while the other will be sent to Montpellier.The mountain-biking track near Elancourt is being converted into a multi-purpose facility for riders and walkers. Sports expert Pierre Rondeau praised the redistribution of infrastructure, noting that Paris has ample facilities while other areas can benefit from these resources.The Paris Games' legacy extends beyond temporary facilities. The new aquatics center in Seine-Saint-Denis is one of only three permanent venues built for the Olympics. The Games have also spurred investments in sports infrastructure throughout France, with 80% of public spending allocated to the Seine-Saint-Denis region.

The Paris Olympics organizing committee has set an ambitious goal of reducing single-use plastics by half compared to the 2012 London Games. However, the widespread use of plastic bottles by major sponsor Coca-Cola has raised concerns about the committee's ability to meet this target.Despite the ban on spectators bringing single-use containers to Olympic sites, Coca-Cola has been distributing Fanta, Sprite, and Coke in plastic bottles at venues. Staff have been observed emptying these bottles into reusable cups, a practice that some argue undermines the Games' pledge to be the greenest in history.Coca-Cola initially stated that nearly 10 out of 18 million refreshments served to spectators would be "without single-use plastic." However, the company has since acknowledged the use of plastics due to "technical and logistical constraints."At the swimming events, for instance, glass bottles are being emptied into red-and-white cups. Georgina Grenon, head of sustainability for the Paris Games, explained that plastic bottles are being used where glass alternatives are not feasible.Despite these challenges, the organizing committee maintains that the Paris Games will still significantly reduce plastics use compared to London 2012. Grenon estimates that the target of a 50% reduction in single-use plastics will be achieved.However, environmental protection charity France Nature Environment (FNE) has criticized Coca-Cola for "unjustified plastic pollution" and awarded the company the "gold medal for greenwashing" during the Olympics.Coca-Cola, one of the world's largest plastics producers, manufactured 134 billion plastic bottles in 2022. The company has set a goal of using fully recycled plastic for all its bottles by 2030. Of the bottles being used at the Paris Games, approximately 6.2 million are made from recycled PET plastic.

Italian Olympic gold medalist Thomas Ceccon's dissatisfaction with the accommodations at the 2024 Paris Olympics has sparked a wider debate about the living conditions for athletes at the Games. A photograph of Ceccon sleeping in a park, shared by Saudi Arabian rower Husein Alireza, has brought the issue to light.Ceccon, who won gold in the men's 100m backstroke, has publicly criticized the living conditions, citing a lack of air conditioning, poor food quality, and inadequate supplies. He emphasized that many athletes were relocating due to these issues, highlighting that it was a widespread problem, not an excuse."There is no air conditioning in the village, it's hot, and the food is bad," Ceccon told The Sun. "Many athletes move for this reason: it's not an alibi or an excuse; it's the reality of what perhaps not everybody knows."The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has faced backlash for the absence of air conditioning and the use of cardboard "anti-sex" beds, which were part of their environmental sustainability efforts. Athletes, including Ceccon, have complained about the heat, noise, and subpar food, which included insufficient quantities of essential items like eggs and chicken and instances of raw meat being served.The British Olympic Association also reported similar food quality issues. "There are not enough certain foods: eggs, chicken, certain carbohydrates," British Olympic Association Chief Andy Anson told The Times of London. "And then there is the food quality, with raw meat being served to athletes."Ceccon's sentiments were echoed by other athletes like Coco Gauff, Ariarne Titmus, and Assia Touati, who also found the accommodations unsuitable. After winning the Olympic gold in the 400m freestyle, Titmus mentioned that better living conditions might have enabled her to break the world record. She criticized the village for not being conducive to high performance."It probably wasn't the time I thought I was capable of, but living in the Olympic Village makes it hard to perform," she said in an interview after the race. "It's definitely not made for high performance, so it's about who can really keep it together in the mind."Organizers defended the accommodations, emphasizing their commitment to sustainability. The recyclable mattresses and cardboard bed frames were chosen to reduce the event's carbon footprint. Before the Games, some delegations, including India, had already expressed concerns about the lack of air conditioning, forcing the Indian government to send 40 portable units for their athletes.

The 2024 Paris Olympics, commencing on July 26th, promises to be an unforgettable spectacle. With Lady Gaga gracing the opening ceremony and Celine Dion providing a grand finale, the event is set to be one of the most ambitious in Olympic history. Here are five unique aspects that make the Paris Olympics truly exceptional:1. Medals Made from the Eiffel Tower:The Olympic medals, awarded to the top performers in 329 events, will literally carry a piece of the iconic Eiffel Tower. Salvaged from renovations and maintenance over the years, 18 grams of iron from the tower have been incorporated into each medal. This gesture symbolizes the pride and heritage of France, allowing athletes to wear a part of the nation's most cherished landmark.2. Purple Running Track:For the first time in Olympic history, all nine running tracks will be adorned in a vibrant shade of purple. This bold choice, inspired by the lavender fields of Provence, aims to create a visually stunning and memorable experience for athletes and spectators alike. The track, designed by Mondo, incorporates cutting-edge technology to enhance performance and safety.3. Sustainability at the Forefront:The Paris Olympics is committed to sustainability, with 95% of venues powered by renewable energy and a 60% vegetarian menu. Coffee tables made from shuttlecocks, drone-like buoys for aquatic events, and the donation of mattresses and pillows for reuse demonstrate the innovative and eco-conscious approach taken by the organizers.4. Olympic Debuts for Breakdancing and Kayak Cross:Breakdancing, also known as "Breaking," will make its Olympic debut in Paris. Sixteen B-boys and B-girls will showcase their skills in dance-offs, adding a vibrant and energetic element to the Games. Kayak Cross, a hybrid of kayaking and canoe slalom, will also join the Olympic roster for the first time.5. A Century in the Making:Paris last hosted the Olympics in 1924, making the 2024 Games a century-long celebration. This will be the third time Paris has played host, tying it with London for the most times hosting the Summer Olympics.

Before the commencement of every Olympic Games, the host city faces criticism from the English-speaking world. Athens was deemed unprepared, Beijing's air quality was questioned, Rio was plagued by Zika and crime, and Tokyo's Covid bubble raised concerns. However, the pre-Games issues for Paris 2024 appear to be more about sustainability and innovation than infrastructure or safety.Paris 2024 aims to be the greenest, most sustainable, and most gender-equal Olympics ever. It seeks to challenge the traditional model of gigantism and extravagance by focusing on local entrepreneurship and social impact. The Athletes Village will not have air conditioning, relying instead on geothermal cooling, which has drawn criticism from some countries.Despite the pushback, Paris 2024 has remained committed to its sustainability goals. It has launched the ESS2024 Solidarity Platform, which distributes contracts to local businesses committed to sustainability and urban renewal. Over 460 local businesses have been signed up for construction, catering, and other services.The Games will also feature innovative initiatives, such as chairs made from recycled plastic waste and a permanent Olympic Acquatic Centre that will become a public swimming facility after the Games. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has advised Paris 2024 on its social mission, emphasizing the power of sport to address global crises such as climate change, inequality, and unemployment.Paris 2024's commitment to sustainability and innovation has drawn praise from some quarters, who believe it could set a new benchmark for future Games. However, it has also faced criticism from those who prioritize athlete comfort and performance over environmental concerns.

Paris Olympics: France Declares Readiness as Athletes ArriveFrench President Emmanuel Macron has expressed confidence in France's preparedness to host the upcoming Paris Olympics, which will mark the return of the Games to the French capital after nearly a century. Macron visited the Athletes' Village on Monday, four days before the official opening ceremony.The Games will utilize temporary venues constructed in the heart of Paris, including the Athletes' Village in Seine-Saint-Denis, the poorest area in France. Macron emphasized the transformative impact the Olympics will have on the region, promising to return after the Games to witness its legacy.The Athletes' Village, comprising 40 low-rise housing blocks, has been built using innovative construction techniques that prioritize sustainability. However, some Olympic delegations have expressed concerns about the lack of air conditioning and have ordered portable cooling units.International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach also visited the Village, where thousands of athletes and officials are arriving. The complex is expected to house up to 14,500 individuals at the peak of the Games.Meanwhile, France's Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne has welcomed the Israeli delegation to the Games, following a controversial call by a French lawmaker to exclude them due to the conflict in Gaza. Sejourne condemned the statement as "irresponsible and dangerous," assuring the security of the Israeli delegation.In a significant development, Team USA has named basketball superstar LeBron James as their male flagbearer for the opening ceremony. James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, expressed his honor in representing the United States on the global stage.The opening ceremony on Friday will feature a spectacular display of 6,000-7,000 athletes sailing down the Seine River on barges and boats, passing by iconic landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral.However, Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar has withdrawn from the Games due to extreme fatigue after winning his third Tour de France title.

The Paris Olympics athletes' village, inaugurated on Thursday, embodies a groundbreaking vision of sustainable construction, showcasing a myriad of innovations designed to minimize its carbon footprint.Naturally CoolThe village boasts a unique cooling system that eliminates the need for air conditioning. High-performance insulation, sun shades, and a geothermal power plant that circulates cool water in summer and heat in winter maintain a comfortable temperature inside, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.Concrete ImprovementsBuilders employed innovative techniques to reduce emissions by 30% per square meter. Wood replaced carbon-intensive concrete in many structures, including core support, facades, and floors. Low-carbon concrete and recycled concrete were also extensively used.Low-Carbon ConcreteLow-carbon concrete, which uses less energy-intensive materials and processes, was widely employed throughout the site. This innovative material significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the buildings.Recycled ConcreteRecycled concrete was used as ballast and mixed with compost to create a base layer for the gardens, further reducing waste and promoting sustainability.Real GreeneryThe village features extensive gardens, covering 40% of the total land space, with 9,000 trees and shrubs. This greenery provides relaxation areas, reduces heat, and promotes biodiversity.Water WorksThe site has its own water treatment center that purifies wastewater for use in the gardens. An experimental building, "the Cycle building," uses purified rainwater for toilets and separates urine and feces for conversion into fertilizers.Circular EconomyAll 300,000 household items in the village are destined for a second life. Suppliers were required to demonstrate their ability to recycle or reuse materials. Bed bases are made of reinforced cardboard, mattresses from recycled fishing nets, and street furniture from reclaimed wood.

Hockey is undergoing a significant transformation as the International Hockey Federation (FIH) transitions from water-based synthetic turfs to environmentally sustainable dry pitches. This shift aims to reduce the sport's water consumption, which currently stands at approximately 6,000 liters per match.The move towards dry turfs was prompted by the need to address the excessive water usage associated with hockey matches, particularly in water-stressed regions like India. Despite advancements in turf technology, the amount of water required to lubricate a hockey field remains substantial.To ensure a seamless transition, FIH has established innovation standards for dry turfs, focusing on factors such as speed, gripping, bounce accuracy, and aerial ball performance. These standards aim to replicate the playing conditions of watered surfaces.GreenFields, an FIH supplier, has developed a dry turf called Pure EP, which has been installed in the Netherlands. Additionally, dry turfs have been inaugurated in South Africa and Namibia. The recent FIH Hockey5s World Cup was played on a dry turf, providing valuable feedback on its performance in warm climates.The transition to dry turfs requires adjustments in footwear and equipment. Players may need protective undergarments to prevent injuries when sliding on dry surfaces. Stick manufacturers may also need to incorporate coatings to reduce friction.FIH is targeting the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as a potential milestone for the widespread adoption of dry turfs. In India, where there are approximately 150 hockey turfs, the new technology is expected to gain traction due to its water-saving and cost-effective benefits.