At the beginning of the year, I was involved in a conversation about the upcoming Olympic Games. While there are many positive aspects to such a major event, I expressed my concerns about the opening ceremony (https://olympics.com/de/news/neu-bei-paris-2024-einzigartige-eroeffnungsfeier). Don’t get me wrong—I think the idea itself is fantastic.
The athletes are supposed to travel along the Seine and be celebrated by spectators on both banks. The event will be accompanied by live concerts, fireworks, and drone shows—what could possibly go wrong?
Our free society is at its most vulnerable when we celebrate our freedoms and life. When hundreds of thousands of spectators line the promenades, setting aside their daily troubles for a few hours, and cameras broadcast images around the world, with many representatives from politics and culture in attendance, couldn’t this evening be exploited by those who do not wish us well? When I voiced these concerns, a groan went around the room, and I felt as loved as the energy vampire and mood killer from "What We Do in the Shadows." However, a manager from the French Red Cross present noted that this very concern is keeping many officials awake at night (https://www.sportschau.de/olympia/olympia-splitter-paris-100.html) and that the ceremony has been scaled down accordingly.
Unfortunately, my wife was not selected as a volunteer. However, she is on the reserve list, and I assume many volunteers will understandably drop out when they see the outrageous prices for accommodation. Since volunteers have to cover their own travel and accommodation costs, the expenses add up significantly. It’s understandable if some motivated individuals back out. We do get one free meal per day and free transportation within the Île-de-France region. The metro is participating in the general price gouging and has simply doubled its prices for the duration of the Games (https://www.businesstraveller.de/mobil/bus/olympia-2024-paris-verdoppelt-preise-fuer-metro/).
(This is supposedly what our lunch will look like)
Additionally, my wife is having problems with her left foot. She received a training plan from a sports therapist to get fit in time for the marathon. (Run, Marie, Run.)
Originally, the "Marathon for All" in Paris was supposed to be a night run, but the start has now been moved to August 10th at 8:00 AM. This means that the slower runners will have to battle through the summer midday heat in Paris. On the bright side, there will be a cheering crowd.
On January 24th, we were invited to an online conference, which turned out to be a short informational video.
On March 23rd, we are invited to Paris at the La Défense Arena. Hopefully, I will finally find out exactly what my assignment will be. In the meantime, I received an email asking me to confirm my willingness to transport people by car. So, a taxi driver. I hope more interesting tasks will come my way.
In another email, I was offered the opportunity to volunteer as a torchbearer. However, only last-minute dates were available. I agreed anyway and will probably run a 200-meter stretch around Orléans on May 27th.
To survive both the run and the time during the Games, I will start a fitness program on March 4th, as the effects of COVID quarantine are still lingering in my bones. Time to get the body back in shape.
