Paris 2024 Stands Firm on Tower Construction: Paris 2024 organizers are facing significant opposition as they push ahead with plans to build a new aluminum judging tower in Teahupo’o, Tahiti, for the upcoming Olympic surfing competition. The controversy revolves around concerns raised by the International Surfing Association (ISA), locals, and pro surfers, including Kelly Slater and Kanoa Igarashi.
The ISA had initially expressed opposition to the tower’s construction, especially after a barge used for the project damaged coral when it got stuck on the reef, prompting a temporary halt to construction. Despite this setback, Paris 2024 and local authorities pledged to reduce the tower’s size and weight.
The ISA proposed alternative methods for judging the competition, such as remote judging using live images from land, water, and drones. However, Paris 2024 rejected these alternatives, citing visibility, security, and the unique characteristics of the Teahupo’o site.
Local opposition has been strong, with a petition garnering almost 230,000 signatures. Residents and visitors of Teahupo’o are calling on the government to reconsider the tower’s construction and the associated drilling and underwater pipelines for the surfing competition. The existing wooden tower, in use for 20 years, is well-maintained, according to Astrid Drollet, secretary of the Vai Ara O Teahupo’o association.
Campaigners and residents are particularly concerned about the environmental impact of the new structure on the delicate ecosystem of Teahupo’o. French Polynesia is home to over 1,000 species of fish and 150 species of coral, both threatened by climate change and mass tourism. The corals are highly protected, making any construction or development in the area subject to scrutiny.
Surfers in southwestern France have also joined the protest against the development at the Teahupo’o site, highlighting the broader discontent surrounding the project. The ongoing opposition poses challenges for Paris 2024 organizers as they navigate environmental concerns, public sentiment, and the need for suitable infrastructure for the Olympic surfing competition.
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By 2024, over 2 million visitors will have experienced world-class performances by international artists or thrilling rugby matches featuring Racing 92 at this venue. However, in a groundbreaking move, the Paris La Défense Arena in Nanterre will be converted into an Olympic swimming pool for the first time ever. This exciting transformation promises to bring a new level of excitement and energy to the already impressive venue.
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The Stade de France, France’s largest stadium, is set to become the Olympic Stadium for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This iconic venue has hosted the country’s biggest sports events for over three decades and is located in Saint-Denis. The stadium was designed by the renowned architects Macary, Zublena, Regembal, and Costantini. Its transformation for the upcoming games is highly anticipated and will undoubtedly add to the excitement of this global event.