Paris 2024 Leaves Door Open For President Macron to Join Lima Delegation – EXCLUSIVE
May 11, 2017
By Christian Radnedge
The cochair of Paris’ bid to host the 2024 Olympics has refused to rule out new French President Emmanuel Macron being part of the delegation that heads to the decisive IOC session in Lima, Peru in September.
Following his election victory on Sunday, President Macron is due to meet with the Paris 2024 team this week as the city bids to host the Games for the first time since 1924.
Tony Estanguet did not say yes or no on whether the new president would be part of the Lima delegation, but told iSportconnect that his endorsement is a “great asset for the bid”.
“Following his election victory, Paris 2024 will continue to work with President Macron on the campaign,” Estanguet said.
“Our plans for Lima are still evolving but the bid already has full support from all levels of national and city government and President Macron’s endorsement is a great asset for the bid.”
Macron had already thrown his weight behind Paris’ bid before the election, and is expected to continue the front-line role that his predecessor Francois Hollande took in the process, to bring the Games to the city for a third time.
Paris is currently preparing for the IOC’s evaluation commission who will arrive on Saturday for their three-day inspection of the city, following a similar visit to rival candidate Los Angeles this week.
With the French capital basing their bid on having pre-planned and existing venues, the bid team are hopeful of giving the evaluation commission a good idea of how a Games would look in 2024 in Paris.
“Paris 2024 is looking forward to the IOC Evaluation Commission visit and we have planned an interesting, informative and fun programme that will showcase the great assets of the city” Estanguet explained toiSportconnect.
“This visit is an opportunity for us to share our vision and ambition for the 2024 Games, further cement our relations with the IOC and continue to build trust.
“When they arrive, the IOC will see how Paris can serve as an Olympic Park with amazing city-centre venues and a wonderful passion for the Games. Paris is ready to welcome the IOC and international media to the City of Light!”
Following the culmination of their two visits, the evaluation commission will return to Lausanne and prepare their final report, which will be published in June.
The two cities will then get to present to the IOC once more in July before preparing for session in Lima in September.
