THE GAMES ARE GO!
YOU South Africa|9 May 2024
Preparations are well under way in the City of Lights for the world's greatest sporting spectacle
DENNIS CAVERNELIS
THE GAMES ARE GO!

FOR a world reeling from war, catastrophe, climate change and economic hardship, it simply can’t come soon enough.

It’s the greatest sporting spectacle on Earth, an extravaganza of excellence that helps us forget our woes for two shining weeks and marvel in the wonder of it all.

In three months the Paris Olympics will kick off – and after the delayed, Covid- altered 2020 Tokyo Games where athletes competed in near-empty stadiums the super-event will be a welcome return to normality.

“Games Wide Open” is the slogan for the 33rd Summer Olympic Games – and it promises to be an event like no other. After all, the French like to do things their way.

THE MASCOTS

The Phryges are the mascots of this year’s Games – colourful characters based on the famous Phrygian cap (worn by the Smurfs) and a symbol of liberty associated with the French Revolution.

The main Phryges are the Olympic and the Paralympic Phryges, which has a prosthetic running leg.

“Rather than an animal, our mascots represent an ideal,” says Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris 2024 organising committee.

“Since it’s familiar to us and appears on our stamps and the pediments of our town halls, it also represents French identity and spirit.”

THE OPENING CEREMONY 

For the first time in history, plans are underway for the opening ceremony to be held outside a stadium.

At 7pm on 26 July things will kick off with a 6-km parade along the River Seine.

Thousands of athletes will gather on 160 boats representing their national teams.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM YOU SOUTH AFRICAView all
HOW TO BE YOUR OWN THERAPIST
YOU South Africa

HOW TO BE YOUR OWN THERAPIST

With more and more of us struggling with our mental health, here's a common-sense guide to coping with life's ups and downs

time-read
5 mins  |
5 December 2024
SPUD: THE MAGIC CONTINUES
YOU South Africa

SPUD: THE MAGIC CONTINUES

John van de Ruit tells us why he decided to write a sequel - and shares how his first book helped him find enduring love

time-read
5 mins  |
5 December 2024
SEX CONTRACT GONE WRONG
YOU South Africa

SEX CONTRACT GONE WRONG

A Cape Town couple have been charged with using a young woman as a sex slave-but some say she lost the job she signed up for and now has a grudge against them

time-read
4 mins  |
5 December 2024
LIAM LAID TO REST
YOU South Africa

LIAM LAID TO REST

More than a month after One Direction singer LIAM PAYNE (31) tragically fell to his death from a balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, his loved ones finally got to say their goodbyes.

time-read
1 min  |
5 December 2024
SHILOH HANGS OUT
YOU South Africa

SHILOH HANGS OUT

THE two young women look like any pair of good friends chatting and laughing as they leave their dance class in Los Angeles.

time-read
1 min  |
5 December 2024
LEO IN LOVE
YOU South Africa

LEO IN LOVE

He's just turned 50 and it seems Leonardo DiCaprio may finally be ready to settle down

time-read
3 mins  |
5 December 2024
PACKING A PUNCH
YOU South Africa

PACKING A PUNCH

Irish actor Paul Mescal beefed up for his role in the blockbuster epic Gladiator II - and fans are loving it

time-read
4 mins  |
5 December 2024
I DIDN'T CHOOSE TO BE A LOVE CHILD
YOU South Africa

I DIDN'T CHOOSE TO BE A LOVE CHILD

As the illegitimate daughter of the king, she fought to be recognised as part of Belgium's royal family, but Princess Delphine says she still feels unwelcome

time-read
5 mins  |
5 December 2024
'I STILL HAVE NIGHTMARES'
YOU South Africa

'I STILL HAVE NIGHTMARES'

A bite from a spitting cobra 13 years ago nearly killed her but Mikayla survived - and she's made peace with her scars

time-read
4 mins  |
5 December 2024
THE CLAWS ARE OUT!
YOU South Africa

THE CLAWS ARE OUT!

Things have grown frosty between the Beckhams and the Sussexes as Becks comes out in clear support of William

time-read
7 mins  |
5 December 2024