IWF delegation concludes planning visit to Paris 2024

A delegation from the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) compromising of General Secretary Antonio Urso and Executive Board Member and IF Delegate, Matthew Curtain have completed a two-day visit to Paris from 16 – 18 November 2022 as part of preparations for the Olympic Games in 2024.

The IWF was hosted by members of the Paris 2024 Sport Department, led by Sport Competitions Director Aurélie Merle and Jacqueline White, the Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting Sport Manager for the 2024 Games.

Senior representatives of the French Weightlifting Federation (FFHM), including President Michel Raynaud and first Vice-President Jean-Paul Bulgaridhes also attended a session with the IWF and Paris 2024 to discuss strategies aligned to further promoting the sport in France.

The agenda for the visit included workshops on aspects including sports presentation, transport, venues and infrastructure, the Olympic Village and medical services.

The group also had the opportunity to visit the South Paris 6 venue for Weightlifting, part of the Paris Expo complex, as well as the hotels proposed to accommodate IWF technical officials and the IWF Family in 2024.

Speaking at the end of the visit, IF Delegate Matthew Curtain said: “This has been a very valuable and productive two days. We thank the Paris 2024 team for their hospitality and collaborative approach to working with the IWF to deliver a fantastic athlete experience as well as the best possible showcase for our sport in 2024.

“The input and involvement of the FFHM is also, and will continue to be, crucial to maximizing the opportunity of these Games. With less than two years to go, we feel the collective enthusiasm and excitement building.”