The Paris 2024 Olympic Games officially began with an opening ceremony across Friday on the River Seine, according to Anadolu Agency, Report informs.
A notable assembly of dignitaries, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, French President Emmanuel Macron, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, among others, were present at the ceremony.
Paris 2024 marked the first time in the history of the Summer Games that the opening ceremony was held outside a stadium.
Eighty-five boats set sail from beneath the Austerlitz Bridge, each carrying athletes from 204 countries and the Refugee Olympic Team under the artistic direction of French director and actor Thomas Jolly.
They embarked on a 6-kilometer parade along the Seine, culminating at the Pont d'Iéna (Jena Bridge) where the Eiffel Tower stands.
The boats navigated the Seine, passing some of Paris's most iconic historical and touristic landmarks. The journey included views of the Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris City Hall, the Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden, Les Invalides Monument, Grand Palais and the Eiffel Tower, showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage.
Despite rain, the opening ceremony was attended by around 300,000 spectators that was proceeded with a series of events that highlighted France's rich historical and cultural heritage.
A total of 101 athletes, including 54 women and 47 men will represent Türkiye in Paris, while 48 Azerbaijani athletes will demonstrate their prowess, joining 17 programs in 15 sports.
Taking place from July 26 to August 11, 2024, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be the biggest event ever organized in France.