AP.- Paris has redoubled the work to be able to have the facilities that will house the 2024 Olympics when 18 months to go for the summer date.
The delays are due to some extent to the impact caused by the Russian war in Ukrainewhich has affected the steel industry.
One of the stages, which was due to be delivered this summer, will only be ready early next year — a few months before the opening ceremony of the Paris jousts on July 26, 2024.
The arena at the Porte de la Chapelle, a multicultural, working-class neighborhood in the French capital, will host the badminton and rhythmic gymnastics events. It will also be the scene of competitions during the Paralympic Games and will then be used by local clubs and schools.
The steel that was going to be used to build the arena had to be initially supplied by Ukraine, said Christophe Rosa, deputy delegate of the organizing committee for the Games.
It may interest you
Mexican water sports athletes, at risk of losing the Olympic cycle towards Paris 2024 due to threats from Ana Guevara
steel manufacturers in Ukraine reported this month that production plunged more than 70% last year after the Russian invasion and the destruction of major factories.
“We found solutions by sourcing steel from other parts of Europe, including the east, in Poland, but also from factories in southern Europe, in order to respond to the delays and be able to finish construction in 2023,” Rosa said Monday.
The work in the sand, with a cost of 138 million euros (150 million dollars), requires 150 tons of steel.
The venue will be dubbed the Adidas Arena after signing a 2.8 million euro ($3 million) a year deal with the clothing company that the Paris government approved last year.
The arena will have a capacity for 8,000 spectators for sporting events and concerts, and will be the future home of Paris Basketball, a professional basketball team.
Other major construction works include the Olympic Village, residence for 15,000 athletes and other members of the Olympic family, and the pool for swimming. Both will be in the northern suburbs of Paris.
