Advertisement
Editorial | Games can shine for world badly in need of that Olympic spirit
- Paris spectacle promises to be a sporting landmark with athletes from Hong Kong and mainland China among those going for gold at an event striving to bring nations closer together
Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
![People pose for photos with the Olympic rings in Paris ahead of the opening ceremony for the Summer Games. Photo: Kyodo](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/styles/1020x680/public/d8/images/canvas/2024/07/27/2c6bd572-c097-4d72-9e5e-0496dd4db276_6715114b.jpg?itok=OAGlYiQ-&v=1722012110)
The opening of the Summer Olympic Games always brings excitement, spectacle and hope for the future. On Friday night, an unprecedented floating ceremony on the River Seine heralded the beginning of the event in Paris.
Advertisement
It is a timely opportunity to rekindle the Olympic spirit. The delayed Tokyo Games in 2021 took place during the pandemic.
Spectators were banned from most venues. Those fortunate enough to attend had to wear masks and were not allowed to cheer.
It is appropriate, therefore, that the slogan for the Paris event is “Games Wide Open.” Millions are expected to visit the French capital to support their favourite athletes.
![The Olympic rings, proudly displayed on the Eiffel Tower, are made of recycled steel. These Games strive to be the greenest yet, with a carbon footprint half the size of that for the London Olympics in 2012. Photo: EPA-EFE The Olympic rings, proudly displayed on the Eiffel Tower, are made of recycled steel. These Games strive to be the greenest yet, with a carbon footprint half the size of that for the London Olympics in 2012. Photo: EPA-EFE](https://img.i-scmp.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=contain,width=1024,format=auto/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/07/27/389786c7-58ee-443a-a602-8138611ea859_7d3d3bd8.jpg)
The enthusiastic crowds will be a welcome sight.
![](https://assets-v2.i-scmp.com/production/_next/static/media/wheel-on-gray.af4a55f9.gif)
Advertisement