Paris Offers 50,000 Tickets to Attend Various Competitions During the Games
In a remarkable initiative to ensure the Paris 2024 Games are inclusive and accessible, the City of Paris is distributing 50,000 tickets to various competitions during the Games. This is in addition to the 55,000 invitations for the Olympic Opening Ceremony, showcasing the city’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.
A Festival Open to All
The solidarity ticketing scheme aims to create a festival atmosphere open to all Parisians, with a particular focus on those who typically don’t attend major events. By inviting members of sports associations, community organizations, and residents from working-class neighborhoods, Paris underscores the importance of these invaluable public service partners, many of whom are contributing to the legacy of the Games.
Breakdown of Solidarity Tickets
Paris has purchased an additional 50,000 tickets to ensure priority groups can attend the competitions free of charge—20,000 tickets for the Olympic Games and 30,000 for the Paralympic Games. The tickets are distributed across various groups, relying on 850 associative structures from all arrondissements:
- 47% of tickets: Parisian youth and underprivileged residents = 23,288 tickets
- 18% of tickets: Amateur Parisian athletes = 9,048 tickets
- 28% of tickets: Active contributors to daily Games organization (workers, volunteers, etc.) = 14,087 tickets
- 7% of tickets: Public relations (elected representatives, foreign delegations, etc.) = 3,577 tickets
Voices from the Community
“It’s a wonderful opportunity and an honor for our association,” enthuses Mathieu Pradel, director of the Tatane association, which will benefit from the solidarity scheme. “It’s a unique experience and a great event that we’ll all be able to share together with the young people we work with.”
Founded in 2012 by former French international footballer Vikash Dhorasoo, Tatane aims to use people’s passion for soccer to create social interactions. The association hosts sewing activities to customize soccer shirts, uniting communities through sport. Additionally, Tatane is involved in “Paris Sportives,” boosting female participation in sport, and “Education through Sport,” helping kids who have dropped out of school.
A History of Inclusion
The City of Paris has a strong track record of making major sporting events accessible to underprivileged residents. In 2022, the solidarity ticketing scheme covered thirteen events, donating over 5,000 tickets to priority groups. In 2023, the scheme included nine events, distributing over 15,000 tickets for events such as the Rugby World Cup, the Wheelchair Rugby World Cup, and the Para-Athletics World Championships.
Key Figures
- 20,000: Tickets purchased for priority groups to attend the Olympic Games
- 30,000: Tickets purchased for priority groups to attend the Paralympic Games
Paris’ solidarity ticketing initiative for the 2024 Games exemplifies a commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. By providing free access to various competitions, the city ensures that the spirit of the Games is shared with all its residents, particularly those who might not usually have the opportunity to attend such significant events. This initiative not only enriches the lives of individuals but also strengthens the community, fostering a legacy of unity and celebration.
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