AGS NEWS – President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday that France is ready to host the Paris Olympics as he visited the Athletes’ Village just four days before the Games begin. “We are ready and will be throughout the Games,” Macron declared, highlighting the years of preparation leading up to this decisive week, with the opening ceremony scheduled for Friday.

Macron emphasized the transformative work done for the Games, especially in the Seine-Saint-Denis area where the Athletes’ Village is located. International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach also visited the Village, which will house up to 14,500 athletes and officials at its peak.

The complex, comprising 40 low-rise housing blocks, utilizes low-carbon concrete, water recycling, and reclaimed materials, and was designed to be free of air-conditioning. However, some delegations have ordered around 2,500 portable cooling units.

Seine-Saint-Denis, France’s poorest area, hopes to benefit from the Olympics.

Macron assured that the area would not be forgotten after the Games and promised to return to assess the legacy and impact on the community.

Meanwhile, France’s foreign minister confirmed that Israeli athletes are welcome at the Paris Games following a controversial statement by a French lawmaker urging their exclusion due to the Gaza conflict.

“The Israeli delegation is welcome in France,” Stephane Sejourne stated, condemning the lawmaker’s comments as “irresponsible and dangerous.” French security forces are ensuring the delegation’s safety.

Preparations for the unprecedented opening ceremony, the first to take place outside the main stadium, continue.

Between 6,000 and 7,000 athletes will sail down the river on 85 barges and boats, passing famous monuments like Notre Dame Cathedral, culminating at the Trocadero opposite the Eiffel Tower.

Up to 300,000 ticketed spectators will watch from the stands and riverbanks, with another 200,000 viewing from nearby apartments.

In sports news, Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar is aiming for Olympic gold in the road race after his third Tour de France victory on Sunday.