IOC President Coventry and Honorary President Bach return to Paris to mark Paris 2024 Olympic Games’ first anniversary

Building on legacy: from Paris to the Alps

In the afternoon, the IOC delegation travelled to the Olympic Aquatics Centre, where they were welcomed by Patrick Ollier, President of Greater Paris. There, they inaugurated a new set of Olympic rings before touring the venue, which hosted water polo, artistic swimming and diving events in 2024. Now open to the public, the facility also includes padel courts and climbing walls, making it a permanent asset for community sport.

From there, they continued to Parc Georges Valbon in Seine-Saint-Denis – a department central to the Olympic project – where thousands gathered to celebrate through sport, music and cultural performances. A new set of Olympic rings was inaugurated by Seine-Saint-Denis President Stéphane Troussel.

The day concluded in the Jardin des Tuileries, where thousands of spectators watched the symbolic re-ignition of the Olympic cauldron – a glowing reminder of the emotion and unity sparked by the Games.

During her time in Paris, President Coventry also held bilateral meetings with Amélie Oudéa-Castéra and Marie Barsacq. Their discussions focused on the long-term legacy of Paris 2024, the promotion of sport in France, and preparations for upcoming Olympic Games – including Milano Cortina 2026, Los Angeles 2028 and French Alps 2030.