France confirmed as host for Winter Olympics and Paralympics 2030
The International Olympic Committee confirmed on Wednesday that France will host the Winter Olympics and Paralympics in 2030. Currently, the French capital, Paris, is involved in hosting the Summer Olympics, which are scheduled to begin on July 26.
However, the country has been through some major political changes recently. The dissolution of the National Assembly by President Emmanuel Macron has led to the Snap Elections and thus, there is no confirmed government in the country as of now.
As a result, the country has failed to provide necessary state and regional guarantees to the IOC. However, the French President has confirmed that once the 2024 Paris Olympics is over, the new government will prioritize an Olympic law.
He said (via BBC):
"I confirm the full commitment of the French nation and assure you that I will ask the next prime minister to include not only this guarantee but also an Olympic law in the priorities of the new government."
He also mentioned that the government made a similar commitment regarding the Paris Olympics to the IOC, and they have successfully delivered. The same is to be followed for the Winter Olympics.
According to the bid made by France, the regions of Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur will be hosting the majority of the events of the big event. This is going to be the fourth time that the country will be hosting Winter Olympics but they have not hosted the same since Albertville 1992.
Winter Olympics 2030 to take place in February
As France gets the green light from the International Olympic Authority, there are a few notable facts that sports enthusiasts must know. The Winter Olympics 2030 are scheduled to take place between February 1 and 17, 2030. The Paralympics will take place from March 1-10, 2030.
There are four zones for the Winter Olympics according to the master plan of the French Alps. These four zones are Haute Savoie, Savoie, Briançon, and Nice. La Plagne's sliding track, the Courchevel ski jump, and Méribel's Roc de Fer downhill are three primary venues that will be used to host the event. The same venues were used during the Albertville 1992 Olympics.
The closing ceremony for the big event is not finalized yet but it is expected to take place at Promenade des Anglais in Nice. It will be the first time that a closing ceremony will take place outside the stadium and the same is inspired by Paris Olympics 2024.