17-7-2023 (PARIS) As the countdown to the Paris Olympics begins, approximately 40 boats took part in a practice run of the highly ambitious opening ceremony on the river Seine on Monday (Jul 17). The event marked almost exactly one year until the sporting extravaganza kicks off.
For the practice run, all river traffic was halted through the heart of the City of Light as the vessels sailed the 6km route that will be taken by delegations of athletes, TV crews, and emergency services next July.
In a unique departure from tradition, the opening ceremony is set to take place outside the main athletics stadium. Competitors and officials will travel through Paris on a flotilla of over 100 vessels, creating a spectacular sight.
Ensuring the security of the participants and managing the crowd of several hundred thousand people along the banks of the Seine presents an enormous challenge for the organizers.
Around 40 boats, simulating the arrival of the delegations, sailed on Monday. An additional 18 vessels were utilized by emergency services, organizers, and the host broadcaster.
“We need to test a new way of filming the ceremony,” explained event director Thierry Reboul in advance.
The choreography of the opening ceremony is being orchestrated by French theatre director Thomas Jolly, 41, whose plans remain tightly under wraps.
Tickets for approximately 100,000 prime viewing spots along the river have already been sold by organizers, and several hundred thousand more people are expected to gather along the riverbanks to watch the ceremony for free.
The traditional torch relay leading up to the games has also been hailed as “unbelievable” by chief organizer Tony Estanguet.
Over the course of 80 days, the torch will be carried from Greece by boat to the southern port of Marseille before making appearances at iconic locations such as Mont Saint Michel in northern France, the Chateau de Versailles, and the French Caribbean.
The Paris Olympics are scheduled to take place from Jul 26 to Aug 11.
