France’s interior minister, Gerald Darmanin, announced that approximately 25,000 police officers will be deployed each day in Paris and surrounding areas to ensure the security of the Paralympic Games. This level of security is in line with the measures implemented during the recent Olympic Games held in the city. The Paralympics are scheduled to take place from August 28 to September 8 in the French capital and nearby venues.
During a news conference, Minister Darmanin reassured the public that there have been no specific threats of terrorism targeting the Paralympic Games. However, in light of recent tensions in the Middle East, particularly surrounding the conflict in Gaza, special attention will be given to the protection of Israel’s delegation of 27 athletes. Elite police officers will provide round-the-clock security for the Israeli athletes, similar to the security arrangements made during the Olympics.
The opening ceremony of the Paralympics is expected to attract around 30,000 spectators at the Concorde venue, with an additional 15,000 individuals able to watch the ceremony for free along the iconic Champs-Elysees avenue. Security forces will also be responsible for safeguarding the torch relay, which will bring the Paralympic flame from Stoke Mandeville, the birthplace of the Paralympic Games, to France.
In addition to the significant police presence, approximately 10,000 private security agents will be enlisted to assist in ensuring the safety of athletes and spectators at various venues throughout the Paralympic Games. The event is set to involve 4,400 athletes competing across 19 different venues, a smaller scale compared to the Olympics which featured 10,500 athletes and 41 venues.
Tony Estanguet, the president of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, revealed that 1.7 million out of the available 2.8 million tickets for the Paralympics have already been sold. The events will include wheelchair tennis at Roland Garros, track and field at the Stade de France, basketball at the Bercy Arena, and swimming at La Défense Arena.
As preparations continue for the Paralympic Games, France is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all participants and attendees. With a robust security plan in place and a dedicated team of law enforcement and security personnel, the focus remains on delivering a successful and memorable event for athletes and spectators alike.