Paris 2024: Embracing Inclusivity with 50,000 ‘Solidarity’ Tickets
|
Listen to this story
|
The City of Paris is setting a remarkable precedent for inclusivity and community spirit with its solidarity ticketing scheme for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
By purchasing 50,000 tickets specifically for its priority groups, the city is ensuring that these monumental events are not just for a select few, but for Parisians from all walks of life. This initiative is a testament to Paris’s commitment to creating an open, inclusive festival that celebrates athletic excellence and the diverse fabric of its community.
Paris has always been known to value equality and community engagement. This solidarity ticketing scheme is a shining example of how the city is putting these values into action. With 20,000 tickets for the Olympic Games and 30,000 for the Paralympics, the city is making a bold statement: these games are not just for the well-heeled but for everyone.
The distribution of these tickets is thoughtfully planned to reach those who might not typically have the opportunity to attend such grand events. Of the 50,000 tickets, a significant 47% are allocated to underprivileged residents, giving them a chance to experience the thrill and inspiration of the Games. This strategic distribution ensures that a wide spectrum of Parisians, from young sports enthusiasts to community volunteers, can be part of this historic occasion.
One of the standout beneficiaries of this initiative is the Tatane Association. Directed by Mathieu Pradel, Tatane was founded in 2012 by former French international footballer Vikash Dhorasoo. The association leverages the universal passion for soccer to foster social interaction and unity.
Pradel is thrilled about the solidarity scheme, saying: “It’s a wonderful opportunity and an honour for our association. It’s a unique experience and a great event that we’ll all be able to share together with the young people we work with.”
TATANE Citizen foot 2021 / © Natacha Gonzelez
Tatane’s involvement goes beyond just attending the games. The association is actively participating in two major initiatives for Paris 2024: “Paris Sportives,” aimed at boosting female participation in sports, and “Education through Sport,” designed to help kids who have dropped out of school. These programs highlight the multifaceted legacy of the Games, focusing not just on sports but on broader social impact.
This solidarity ticketing scheme is not Paris’s first foray into making major sporting events accessible to underprivileged residents. In 2022, over 5,000 tickets were donated to priority groups for thirteen different events. The following year, the city continued its efforts by giving away more than 15,000 event tickets, including the Rugby World Cup, Wheelchair Rugby World Cup, and Para-Athletics World Championships. These initiatives have consistently underscored Paris’s dedication to inclusivity and community engagement.
As Paris gears up for the 2024 Games, the solidarity ticketing scheme stands out as a beacon of the city’s values. By inviting Parisians from all backgrounds to join in the festivities, Paris is not just hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games; it is creating a lasting legacy of unity, inclusivity, and community spirit.
