REPORTAGE. “We’ll keep this in mind”: the end of an enchanted interlude for the volunteers of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games

The Paralympic Games end on Sunday. With the end of the Olympic Games, it is also the end of a dream for the volunteers.

It smells like the end. Paris 2024 ends on Sunday, September 8 with the closing ceremony of the Paralympic Games at the Stade de France. Olympic and Paralympic Games marked by sporting exploits, but also by the resounding success in terms of organization. A success that Paris 2024 owes in large part to its volunteers, 45 000 people who have mobilized every day since July 26.

In front of the Arena Sud, Porte de Versailles in Paris, it is impossible to miss the volunteers with their turquoise T-shirts, their bobs or their pink caps. The volunteers have stars in their eyes : “It was great”, “a moment of humanity”, “a great atmosphere”, “we will remember that”, they marvel. It’s hard to think about what comes next : “It’s going to be hard,” Sophie recognizes, “It’s not every day that you experience this,” Lilia added. Nadine and Danièle even agreed to extend their mission by an additional day. : “We didn’t have I don’t want it to end, we are in a land of care bears where everything went well”explain the two volunteers.

These volunteers impressed the spectators with their good humor: “Yes, in France, we can welcome with a smile”jokes one of them. These volunteers have become real stars during these Games : “We have time to take photos, time to chat, and then there is recognition from the public, they tell us well done”says Christophe. “We are often photographed, people talk to us, it has had a great impact on the Games”adds Ludovic.

Another reason for their success : their uniforms. Parkas, T-shirts, hats are very popular. But there is no question of them selling them : “Nothing at all, I keep everything for myself, it’s a memory”, says one of these volunteers. Olympic memories for life.