PARIS, May 27 -- Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo has traveled this week to China to learn from their Olympic experiences through hosting the 2008 Olympics and their preparations for the 2022 Winter Games, according to Friday' s press release by Paris 2024.
Joined on the trip by Olympic gold medalist and IOC member Guy Drut, Hidalgo visited many of the venues used at Beijing 2008, including the Bird' s Nest Stadium and the Water Cube, as well as proposed venues for the Beijing 2022 Winter Games.
Meeting with key members of the organizing committees for Beijing 2008 and Beijing 2022, Hidalgo discussed with them what it takes to host a successful Games and to share Paris' passion for Olympic sport and the city' s dynamic vision for 2024.
"I' m thrilled to be in China to learn about the successes of Beijing 2008 and plans for the 2022 Winter Games," said Hidalgo.
"Like France, China is a nation with amazing culture and heritage and it' s great to share best practices in delivering the Games but also how the Games can be used to showcase our city and our passion for Olympic sport
"Paris is embarking on a journey of reinvention and our dream is to host an Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2024 that reflects our city' s ambition, drive and desire to open up a dynamic and iconic Paris to everyone," she added.
The release also quoted Drut that "the Paris 2024 project is evolving very well, but as we continue on the path towards the IOC Session in Lima next year, it' s vital that we listen and learn and continually sense check our plans."
"We are always looking for ways to enrich our bid to ensure we deliver a wonderful festival of sport in 2024 that leaves a real legacy for the people of Paris and France," he said.
