Paris Paralympic Village: A Seamless Transformation from Olympic Village
PARIS, August25 (CNS) – The familiar sights of the Paris Olympic Village areback, but with a new name: the Paris Paralympic Village. Located in the northern suburb of Saint-Denis, the village is once again adorned with the vibrantcolors of the Games, with flags of participating nations fluttering from windows. However, a closer look reveals subtle but significant changes, signaling the arrival of the 17th Summer Paralympic Games.
The Paralympic mascot, Frijoles, welcomes visitors to the media center, sporting a prominent prosthetic leg. This detail, absent from its Olympic counterpart, serves as a poignant reminder of the Games’ unique focuson inclusivity and athletic excellence among athletes with disabilities.
While the exterior of the village resembles its Olympic predecessor, with the same logo and mascot, the familiar five rings have been replaced with the tri-colored Paralympic symbol on various buildings.Inside, the layout remains largely unchanged, with the same shops, restaurants, training facilities, and common areas. Yet, the presence of wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, and athletes of diverse abilities serves as a constant reminder that a different kind of Olympic celebration is about to unfold.
The Paris 2024 organizers havemeticulously designed the village with accessibility in mind. Public spaces, pathways, sidewalks, and crosswalks have been adapted for wheelchair users. Ramps were built during the initial construction of the temporary areas, eliminating the need for post-Olympic renovations. This foresight ensures a smooth transition from the Olympic to the Paralympic Games.
Furtheradjustments have been made for the Paralympic athletes. Yellow and black stripes have been added to highlight potential hazards in outdoor areas, while water fountains have been positioned at accessible heights for wheelchair users, guide dogs, and assistance dogs.
The Chinese Paralympic delegation’s headquarters, a vibrant red with a prominent five-star flag,is a prominent feature of the village. It serves as a temporary home for over 500 Chinese athletes and staff. A large wall display prominently showcases the daily medal tally, a testament to the nation’s success in the previous Olympics, where they secured 40 gold medals, their best performance at an overseasGames. The upcoming Paralympics will undoubtedly witness further achievements for Chinese athletes with disabilities.
The Chinese delegation headquarters boasts a dedicated team, including divisions for logistics, competition, anti-doping, security, and medical support, ensuring the well-being and success of their athletes.
Chinese Paralympian Lin Nai-li, a badminton player, offered a glimpse into the athletes’ accommodation. Her room, located on the ground floor, is a two-bedroom apartment shared with her coach. The balcony opens onto a communal garden, providing a tranquil escape for the athletes.
The Paris Paralympic Village stands as a testament to the organizers’ commitmentto inclusivity and accessibility. It is not just a place for athletes to compete; it is a symbol of the Paralympic spirit, where the focus is on celebrating human potential and pushing boundaries. The seamless transition from the Olympic to the Paralympic Games is a testament to the organizers’ foresight and dedication to creating an inclusive and welcomingenvironment for all athletes. The stage is set for an unforgettable Paralympic Games, where athletes with disabilities will showcase their remarkable talents and inspire the world.
【来源】http://www.chinanews.com/ty/2024/08-25/10274498.shtml
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