How the Paris 2024 Village has been transformed for Paralympians with accessibility in mind

By TOM NOUVIAN

SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) — Just four days before the start of the Paralympic Games, the athletes’ village was abuzz with activity Saturday as athletes from 168 delegations settled into their temporary home and prepared for their upcoming competitions.

The village, located in the northern suburbs of Paris in the Seine-Saint-Denis department, closed its doors on August 13 after the Olympic Games, giving organizers a week to make the necessary adjustments for the upcoming Paralympic Games.

Laurent Michaud, Head of the Paralympic Village, discussed the rapid but precise transformation. The village was built from the start with inclusivity in mind, but this final week was crucial for fine-tuning the details to ensure that every aspect was perfectly suited to the needs of the para-athletes.

“All roads, sidewalks and access points are fully accessible to people with reduced mobility. It is a 100% accessible village,” he explained.

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The village reopened on August 21 and has been adapted to the specific needs of the 4,400 para-athletes.

Among the major changes were additional ramps and improved lighting throughout the village, making it easier for athletes to navigate, regardless of their mobility or visual impairments. Sandy floors and grates that could have posed a challenge for wheelchair users were covered with mats.

Motorised devices were also made available to wheelchair users, providing a powerful boost that allowed them to move around the village more quickly and with more fun. These quickly became a favourite with the athletes, adding an element of fun to their mobility.

One scene that captured this joy involved three athletes from Iran. They were spotted racing down the main street to the food court, with one athlete using the motorized contraption while the others clung to their companion’s shoulders and laughed as they enjoyed the ride.

Ludivine Munos, a former French para-athlete and head of integration for Paris 2024, praised the village’s design, calling it a “paradise” for the para-athletes.

“The goal was to provide the athletes with the best possible experience during their stay, so they could fully focus on their performance without worrying about accessibility issues,” Munos said.

Smaller adjustments were also made to improve daily life. In the dining room, tables were spaced out for wheelchair access and some chairs were removed to create a more open layout.

Philipp Wurz, head of food and beverage, highlighted these subtle but important changes. Products in refrigerators were displayed on all shelves to ensure easy access for wheelchair users or short athletes. Volunteers were also on hand to help athletes who needed help carrying their trays. For those who wanted to carry them on their lap, a thin layer of rubber was added to prevent the food from slipping.

In the living areas, electrical outlets were installed at a height of 45 cm (17 in) from the floor, so that wheelchair users did not have to force themselves to reach down. In the bathrooms, strategically placed grab bars were installed: one firmly attached to the wall and another with suction cups, providing flexibility for different needs.

“The smallest details can make big improvements for para-athletes,” Wurz noted.

In addition to these practical adjustments, para-athletes can also take advantage of a range of services in the village, including a bakery, a massage parlour, a supermarket, a 24-hour gym, a hair and nail salon and a free clinic.

The Paralympic Games begin on August 28 and end on September 8.