Paralympic Village in Paris Gears Up for 2024 Games

With the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games just days away, thousands of para-athletes from around the world have arrived at the Paralympic Village in Paris. They are putting the final touches on their preparations for the upcoming competition.

The Paralympic Village, located in the northern suburbs of Paris, reopened on August 21st after a week of preparations following the conclusion of the Olympic Games. This brief window allowed organizers to make the necessary adjustments for the Paralympic events.

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Village is designed to be fully accessible and accommodate the needs of all para-athletes. The residential areas and apartments are step-free, and electric sockets are positioned at a convenient height for athletes with various disabilities.

Ludivine Munos, head of Paralympic Integration for Paris 2024, shared that the Paris 2024 Paralympic Village has addressed all the inconveniences she experienced during her time as an athlete staying in the Village.

"For me, the biggest point was that I can invite my colleagues to my room without having to consider accessibility," she said.

The Main Dining Hall features buffet counters accessible to athletes in wheelchairs. The trays are made from non-slip materials, and carts are available to help athletes move their trays with ease.

The Village fitness center is open 24/7, providing athletes with around-the-clock access to over 300 pieces of equipment, ensuring they can optimize their training schedules. Additionally, a polyclinic, a fully equipped mini-hospital, operates daily to serve the medical needs of athletes and residents.

Chinese Paralympic badminton player Lin Naili, who is staying in a two-bedroom apartment with his coach and teammates, praised the accessibility of both his living space and the wider Paralympic Village.

The room's electrical outlets are conveniently placed within reach from a wheelchair, while the bathroom facilities, including the sink and toilet, are set at optimal heights. The shower is also equipped with a seat with handrails, he said.

"We arrived at the village on the 21st of August. There's a gym, dining hall and convenience store, and the riverside setting is quite pleasant," Lin said. "We're currently getting used to the venues, working on fitness and strength training, and taking time to explore the village and familiarize ourselves with the area.