The Paris Diamond League will go ahead as planned on Sunday despite an intense heatwave sweeping across France, with organisers implementing a series of safety measures to protect athletes, officials and spectators.
The French Athletics Federation (FFA) announced on Friday that the meeting would proceed on a reduced schedule following an agreement with the Paris police prefecture, which had earlier called for several outdoor events to be cancelled as temperatures soared above 40 degrees Celsius across much of the country.
Under the revised arrangements, only events involving professional athletes will be staged, while activities for athletics clubs, licensed members and regional competitions have been cancelled.
In a statement, the FFA said the changes were aimed at ensuring the health and safety of everyone involved in the World Athletics Diamond League meeting.
“The safety of athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials, spectators and all staff involved remains our highest priority,” the federation said.
Organisers have also introduced additional heat-mitigation measures, including more drinking water stations, misting areas and shaded spaces around Stade Charléty.
Although the competition will begin as scheduled at 3:30 p.m. local time (1330 GMT), spectators will be admitted into the stadium 45 minutes later than originally planned.
Medical and emergency response services have also been reinforced to deal with the extreme weather conditions.
The Paris Diamond League is one of the premier stops on the Diamond League circuit, attracting many of the world’s leading track and field stars. Sunday’s meeting is expected to proceed under close monitoring as France continues to grapple with one of its most severe heatwaves in recent years.
Paris Diamond League to Proceed Despite Heatwave, Schedule Adjusted
The Paris Diamond League will go ahead as planned on Sunday despite an intense heatwave sweeping across France, with organisers implementing a series of safety measures to protect athletes, officials and spectators.
The French Athletics Federation (FFA) announced on Friday that the meeting would proceed on a reduced schedule following an agreement with the Paris police prefecture, which had earlier called for several outdoor events to be cancelled as temperatures soared above 40 degrees Celsius across much of the country.
Under the revised arrangements, only events involving professional athletes will be staged, while activities for athletics clubs, licensed members and regional competitions have been cancelled.
In a statement, the FFA said the changes were aimed at ensuring the health and safety of everyone involved in the World Athletics Diamond League meeting.
“The safety of athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials, spectators and all staff involved remains our highest priority,” the federation said.
Organisers have also introduced additional heat-mitigation measures, including more drinking water stations, misting areas and shaded spaces around Stade Charléty.
Although the competition will begin as scheduled at 3:30 p.m. local time (1330 GMT), spectators will be admitted into the stadium 45 minutes later than originally planned.
Medical and emergency response services have also been reinforced to deal with the extreme weather conditions.
The Paris Diamond League is one of the premier stops on the Diamond League circuit, attracting many of the world’s leading track and field stars. Sunday’s meeting is expected to proceed under close monitoring as France continues to grapple with one of its most severe heatwaves in recent years.
