Area Near Bratislava's Lake Kuchajda to Host Olympic Festival

Bratislava, July 20 (TASR) - The area near Lake Kuchajda in Bratislava's borough of Nove Mesto will host an Olympic Festival during the 2024 Olympics in Paris (July 26-August 11), the municipality has posted on its website. The event is designed to provide visitors with the atmosphere that athletes experience at the Games. At the same time, the Slovak Olympic and Sports Committee (SOSV) wants to use it to promote sport and exercise with an emphasis on children and youth. "Perhaps this is the way to motivate children to engage in sport. We are giving them the opportunity to experience what we experience in sport on a regular basis - emotions, joy, laughter and competition. Not everyone can be an Olympic champion, but everyone can enjoy sport," stated SOSV President Anton Siekel. Almost 30 sports will be presented in 17 days, and visitors will be able to try them out. Several tournaments and races will be prepared, and several sporting organisations have organised activities as well. Individual sports fields will be located throughout the whole area, with activities taking place on the shore, as well as in the water. Yachting and water slalom boats will appear on Lake Kuchajda for the first time as well. The organisers are also preparing cultural and social programme as part of the festival. The festival will feature musicians, singers, dancers and music bands every day. At the same time, the festival will serve as an official 'fan zone' for the Slovak Olympic team. Following their return from Paris, Slovak Olympians will visit the festival, along with athletes who took part in past Olympics. The Olympic Festival will be open every day during the Paris Olympics. ko/df