Paris 2024 is just one day away from the official opening and millions of Olympic Games fans around the world will be treated to what will surely be a magical spectacle.

For the first time in the history of the summer Olympic Games, Paris 2024 will host the iconic Opening Ceremony outside of a stadium – and it will be bigger than any one to ever come before.

The revolutionary event will take place on the Seine River, where the 10,500 athletes will float down the river on boats with their National Olympic Committees on Friday 26 July to kick off the Games.

The route is six kilometers long and will end in front of the Trocadéro – the site of the Palais de Chaillot, across the river from the Eiffel Tower.

Spectators will be able to watch the entire parade from the sides of the river and it is the first time an Opening Ceremony will be open to as many people as possible with no cost of admission, apart from one area.

Eighty giant screens will also be strategically placed with speakers throughout the French capital, so the whole city will be able to enjoy the atmosphere.

Phryge: Paris 2024’s Mascot

The Olympic Phryge was unveiled as the official mascot for the Paris Olympics back in November 2022. The Phryges are donned in red, white and blue colors – just like France’s flag – with the 2024 Olympic logo across their chests.

Special medals

From the iconic venues to the much anticipated Opening Ceremony, every athlete who makes it onto an Olympic podium will be taking home a piece of the Eiffel Tower.

A piece of original iron from the iconic landmark will sit in the center of each bronze, silver and gold medal in a hexagonal shape, branded with the logo of the Games.

The reverse side of the medal depicts an adaptation of the rebirth of the Games, featuring the goddess of victory Athena Nike.

Beyond the medals, here are more of the ways in which Paris will be an incredibly special edition of the Olympic Games.

Afghanistan broadcast schedule

Ariana Television Network (ATN) will meanwhile ensure fans in Afghanistan also get to enjoy this global sporting festival.

Friday’s opening ceremony will be broadcast on both Ariana Television and Ariana News from 10.30pm Kabul time – following a pre-show that starts at 10pm.

On Saturday, July 27, a pre-show will air from 11am, followed by Olympic events from 11.30am to 1.30am Sunday morning on Ariana Television.

Also on Saturday, Ariana News will broadcast Olympic events from 11am to 5.30pm.

All times are Kabul time.

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