Paris’ bid to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games Wednesday announced that global energy giant ENGIE has signed on as the bid campaign’s 16th Official Partner.
The news comes only days after International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach announced that both Paris and rival Los Angeles will be offered, if the members vote to confirm, to host the Olympic Games in 2024 and 2028 – assuring that the event will occur in France next decade.
The ENGIE group has been working with Paris 2024 for several months, notably on the energy and environmental aspects of its technical file. Paris 2024 said ENGIE’s research and development sites in Paris, which sits adjacent to the Stade de France and the proposed Athletes’ Village in Seine-Saint-Denis, has been made available by the group for the construction of the planned Aquatics Centre, the only permanent sport venue required to be constructed if Paris hosts the Games.
This partnership will focus on a theme of “Sharing the Energy Revolution,” a concept in line with ENGIE’s commitment to energy transition. ENGIE become the 20th company to join the Paris 2024 campaign.
Sustainability has been a key pillar of the Paris 2024 concept and the collaboration with ENGIE hep further this goal.
Tony Estanguet, Co-Chair Paris 2024 said “we are very pleased to welcome ENGIE as the newest Official Partner of Paris 2024 and to continue our successful collaboration with the group.”
“With less than 100 days until the vote for the 2024 Host City, this partnership confirms that our project remains a very attractive prospect. It responds to issues that go beyond sport and showcases what France has to offer.
“The arrival of a world leading company and innovator in clean energy to our side further strengthens our ambition for the most sustainable Games in the history of the Olympic Movement.”
Isabelle Kocher, CEO of ENGIE said “it is a great pleasure for ENGIE to formalise its partnership with Paris 2024.”
“We share the ambition of environmental excellence and sustainable development on the Paris-Seine Saint-Denis area. Together with Paris 2024, we are proud to support an Olympic Games project that respects the objectives of the Paris Accord.”
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has said his city will respect the goals laid out in the Paris Accord though U.S. President Donald Trump has committed to pull the United States out of the deal.
Paris’ bid, along with that of Los Angeles, is scheduled to present its concept to the IOC Membership at a bid city briefing beginning July 11 in Lausanne. At an ‘extraordinary’ Session scheduled for the same day, the members will vote on the Executive Board’s proposal to award both the 2024 and 2028 Games at the same time at an ordinary Session September 13 in Lima, Peru.
