Paris has formally announced its bid to host the 2024 Olympics with the French capital aiming to mark the 100 years since it previously hosted the Games.
The city has bid unsuccessfully on three previous occasions – 10 years ago it lost out to London for the 2012 Olympics and also failed in bids for the 2008 and 1992 Games.
Paris last held the Olympics in 1924 – which has become known as the ’Chariots of Fire’ Games after the film celebrating the achievements of British runners Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell.
Bernard Lapasset, the head of World Rugby, has been appointed chairman of Paris 2024. The city has estimated the hosting budget at £4.3billion, less than half the cost of London’s Games.
Lapasset said in a statement: “Paris is delighted to officially confirm its bid for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games – an important first milestone as our host city campaign journey commences.
“We believe that this bid and our goal to host the 2024 Games will excite, unite and enthuse the people of Paris, our entire nation and lovers of Olympic and Paralympic sport all over the world.”
Denis Masseglia, president of the French national Olympic committee (CNOSF), said the bid would be planned in line with the IOC’s new ’Agenda 2020’ strategy aiming for more flexible and less costly Games.
He added: “In line with the IOC’s Agenda 2020 strategy, Paris 2024 promises a feasible and flexible Games concept that will be an authentic reflection of the diverse and dynamic cultural, social, environmental and sporting traditions of our local communities, the city and the French people.”
Paris will face opposition from Hamburg, Rome, and Boston and potentially others including Budapest, Istanbul, Baku and Doha.