Paris Olympics: Spectacular End!
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games came to an end in a spectacular closing ceremony on Sunday night.
The Olympic flag was handed over from the Mayor of Paris to the Mayor of Los Angeles, which will host the next edition of the Games in 2028.
The highlight of the closing ceremony was the appearance of the Hollywood super star, Tom Cruise, who abseiled from the roof of the Stade de France into the arena, much to the great delight of the 70,000 spectators.
The President of the International Olympic Committee, Dr Thomas Bach, hailed the Paris Games as “sensational” and, praising the “simply amazing” athletes who participated, he added:
“During all this time, you lived peacefully together under one roof in the Olympic Village. You respected each other, even if your countries are divided by war and conflict. You created a culture of peace.
This inspired all of us and billions of people around the globe. Thank you for making us dream. Thank you for making us believe in a better world for everyone.”
The power of sport!
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
