Paris 2024 : Committed to change

Paris was officially awarded the 2024 Games after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) ratified a tripartite agreement with Paris and Los Angeles 2028 during the IOC Session in Lima, Peru, on Wednesday (13 September). A victory for the french paralympic movement … Meeting with Emmanuelle Assmann, President of the French Paralympic and Sports Committee.

How excited were you when you learned the 2024 Games are coming to Paris?

When I heard “Paris” announced as host city of the 2024 Games, I was delighted, it was very emotional. We worked so hard for this moment and we succeeded, thanks to a clear vision and a strong plan that placed strong emphasis on the Paralympic Games. Now that the dream has come true, a huge but exciting challenge lies ahead!

This is the first time the Paralympic Games would come to France. How important is that for you?

This is the first time for the summer games because Tignes-Albertville already hosted the 1992 winter Paralympics, the first ever to be celebrated in the same host city as the Olympic Winter Games! Nevertheless, you are right, this victory is more important than ever. It means increased legitimacy, visibility, opportunity as well as responsibility for Paralympic sport in France. For me personally, as NPC president, it also provides great leverage to further develop our movement.

What role will the NPC play in supporting Paris 2024?

Since the beginning of this adventure, Paralympic athletes and NPC France have been key stakeholders of the Paris 2024 bid. NPC France will be represented in the executive board of the Organizing Committee for Olympic and Paralympic Games (OCOG) at the highest level. We will also continue to work very closely with the OCOG and the IPC in our areas of expertise (such as Paralympic sport and communications), and also to prepare the legacy of the Games, which includes the Paralympic National Training Centre for Youth at the site of the Badminton venue.

How do you hope Paris 2024 would change people’s perception on disability, both in France and globally?

Changing the perception of impairment ranks among the top priorities of Paris 2024. Our Olympic and Paralympic school week debuted in 2017 and has already exposed 2 million children to the practice of Paralympic sport. We will keep targeting this key demographic, which is the future our country. Our targeted communication campaign over the next 7 years in France and abroad will also aim to demystify Paralympic sport and showcase the thrilling performances of our Para athletes.

At the same time, we have committed to providing fully accessible games in 2024, both at the competition venues and the live sites. This is particularly important for our existing venues who will be upgraded to accommodate all spectators. Furthermore, all new metro lines (already under construction) will be accessible too. In terms of infrastructure, the Games can help us gain twenty years and make accessibility the “new normal” for public spaces!

What is something unique that Paris can offer for the Paralympic Games?

Paris will provide an incredible stage for the Paralympic Games, offering iconic imagery for spectators and broadcasters, and unprecedented exposure for Paralympic athletes as well as the Paralympic brand. Aside from spectacular performances, however, Paris can truly be a showcase of an inclusive and tolerant society. A society where everyone has their place and can contribute in their own way, including through the practice of sport activities.

How different was it competing as an athlete, and now being president of an NPC? What are some things you have learned?

Becoming a Paralympic athlete taught me that most barriers can be overcome through persistence, commitment and love for what you are doing. It is those same principles that have been driving my work as NPC president.