Organizers of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games bid and International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach Saturday addressed ISIS led attacks on six Paris targets including restaurants, a concert hall and the national stadium,
ISIS has claimed responsibility for the Friday evening attacks that left scores dead and France in a state of emergency.
Many of the deaths occurred as patrons were gunned down inside a sold-out concert hall.
Three of the deaths occurred as bombs were detonated outside a packed Stade de France where a friendly football match between France and Germany was underway. The stadium was built to host the 1998 FIFA World Cup and is the proposed centrepiece venue for the 2024 Olympic Games.
Bach said “In these dark times, we should remember the unifying power of sport to unite people and communities and to bring peace and reconciliation.”
“Today all people of goodwill will say: We are all French.”
The Olympic flag will be flown at half-mast to remember this tragedy.
The statements, in full, follow below.
Paris 2024 Release Regarding Attacks
Paris 2024 is today in mourning for all those killed in the appalling events of last night. Our thoughts are with their loved ones and with those wounded in these horrific, unforgivable attacks.
We share the shock and profound sadness which has been expressed by so many people around the world and as Parisians we stand in solidarity with the people of Paris and of France in uniting against these acts of terror. The historic values of our city and our country matter more than ever and they are the basis of our resolve and determination in the face of such terrible tragedy.
Statement from the IOC President Thomas Bach on the terrorist attacks in Paris
These attacks are deeply shocking. The IOC condemns these barbaric and cowardly acts.
This is not only an attack on the people of France and Paris, this is an attack on humanity and all humanitarian and Olympic Values
We stand united with all people from all around the globe. Our thoughts are of course with the families and friends of those who have been killed or wounded.
We support also the outstanding work of so many men and women in the medical and security fields who are assisting the population in these very difficult moments.
In these dark times, we should remember the unifying power of sport to unite people and communities and to bring peace and reconciliation. Today all people of goodwill will say: We are all French.
Today, I have sent a letter of condolence and support to President Hollande and I have ordered that the Olympic flag be put at half-mast to remember this tragedy.
