Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet attended the Day 2 sitting volleyball match between the home team and Italy, underscoring the significance of the sport within the Paralympic Games. His presence emphasized the connection between the Games and the host nation, as he joined the crowd in supporting the athletes and celebrating their efforts on this global stage.
Paris 2024 Chief Executive Officer Etienne Thobois made a visit to the sitting volleyball venue at North Paris Arena on Friday, highlighting the importance of hosting the Paralympic Games in France for the first time. His visit underscored the event’s significance, particularly with sitting volleyball being a central part of the Paralympic programme.
During his visit, Thobois met with World ParaVolley President Lori Okimura, Technical Delegate Glenn Stewart, Head of Jury Sven Ritter, and Jury member Joe Campbell.
For us, the ambition of the Paralympic Games has been huge. It’s the first time that we have organized the Summer Paralympic Games in this country, so there is a lot of excitement.
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It’s definitely an honour to welcome the Paralympic World. Sitting volleyball is a major sport in the Paralympic programme and we’re very excited to have it here.
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I hear the athletes are happy with the conditions, so for us, it is a satisfaction. And the crowd, the cool crowd coming to give the athletes the extra excitement as they scream and cheer and bring emotions. It’s fantastic.
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It is our pleasure and our pride to welcome everyone to these Games.
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Photos: WPV/Sinisa Kanizaj.
