The Organizing Committee for the 2030 French Alps Olympic and Paralympic Games was launched at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon, marking a significant milestone after an ambitious bid began in January 2022. Despite initial progress, delays arose from political instability and leadership changes, particularly after Martin Fourcade withdrew as a candidate. Edgar Grospiron was ultimately appointed president, paving the way for the committee’s establishment and the upcoming games in the French Alps.
Formation of the Organizing Committee for the 2030 French Alps Games
After much anticipation, the Organizing Committee for the 2030 French Alps Olympic and Paralympic Games (COJOP) was officially launched this Tuesday at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon, which is conveniently near its future headquarters. While some may jest about the delays, the extended timeline contrasts sharply with the initial swift progress of the bid. This ambitious project to host the Winter Games was set in motion in January 2022, championed by Renaud Muselier, president of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, who faced stiff competition from Switzerland and Sweden.
However, the French Alps quickly garnered attention and entered into “targeted dialogue” with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as early as November 2023. This pivotal move signified that if executed correctly, the French bid would secure a monumental win, following the success of Paris 2024 for the summer games.
Challenges and Leadership Changes
The victory was officially reaffirmed on July 24, marking just over two years since the project’s inception. Yet, this was when new challenges arose. The financial backing from the state took longer than anticipated due to political instability following the dissolution of the National Assembly by President Emmanuel Macron on June 9. Fortunately, the guarantee was secured on October 2 under the guidance of then-Prime Minister Michel Barnier.
With the COJOP’s establishment delayed due to uncertainties surrounding its president, stakeholders—collectively known as the “G5″—found themselves in disarray. The G5 includes the Ministry of Sports, the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF), the French Paralympic and Sports Committee, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region, and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region. Initially expected to launch in late autumn, then early February, the process was further complicated by the withdrawal of Martin Fourcade, who had been a leading candidate for the president role. Citing personal convictions and disagreements with Laurent Wauquiez, Fourcade’s exit shifted the dynamics in favor of Edgar Grospiron, who was officially appointed last Thursday.
Though Grospiron was not an initial contender—seeing Fourcade as the more fitting choice—his previous ties to the IOC and charismatic leadership style made him an ideal candidate. Encouraged by CNOSF president David Lappartient, Grospiron launched his candidacy and successfully secured the position. This appointment, alongside the official formation of the COJOP, signals a new chapter as the French Alps prepare to bring the 2030 games to fruition.