After the Games: Mixed Feelings in Seine-Saint-Denis on Paris 2024 Legacy

Residents of Seine-Saint-Denis express mixed feelings about the Paris 2024 Olympics. While some enjoyed the games and the improved infrastructure, others lamented the lack of affordable tickets and meaningful job opportunities. Local officials hope the event's legacy will offer long-term urban and economic benefits.

The Paris 2024 Olympics have come and gone, leaving a trail of mixed emotions among the residents of Seine-Saint-Denis. The suburban community, known for its racial diversity and economic challenges, had high hopes for the event, which promised urban renewal and economic uplift.

Enda Fofana, a 15-year-old resident, had anticipated a free ticket to the Games after years of enduring the construction of the Olympic Village near her home. Her hopes were dashed, echoing a broader sentiment among locals who felt sidelined by the grandeur of the event. Fofana's middle school classmates were invited to a sporting event, but her family never saw the invitation.

Despite the disappointments, local officials remain optimistic. They point to the 10,000 opening ceremony invites and 9,000 sports event tickets distributed among the town's 114,000 residents. Although temporary jobs were created, critics argue that sustainable employment opportunities were missed. The Olympic Village, now destined to become housing units, symbolizes both the potential and the unrealized dreams of this community.

(With inputs from agencies.)