(ATR) From its humble beginnings as a space for non-accredited media at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, Club France has grown into an expansive and exciting Olympic destination.
In Rio, Club France can be found on the grounds of Sociedade Hípica Brasileira, a horse riding club in Lagoa where the rowing and kayaking is held.
Club France is designed to be like a little village, welcoming French, Brazilian and international guests.
"French fans come here wanting to experience Brazil and Brazilian locals come here wanting to experience France," Club France spokesperson Sylvie Matthews said.
"So we have created a village that has both. We even call people here "Parioca" – a combination of Parisian and Carioca."
During the day, one of the big drawing cards to Club France is the sport, with football, basketball, golf, skimboarding, pétanque and more. The sport has been organized through local sporting organizations and groups of kids from underprivileged parts of Rio regularly visit to take part in sports they might not otherwise ever have the chance to experience. At the end of the Games the equipment will be donated as a legacy.
For those not keen to play sport, there is no shortage of big screens to watch it. Passionate fans crowd around the big screens throughout the grounds to watch all the Olympic action unfold.
The cost of renting the Hípica for the duration of the Games was used by the riding club to erect a new building for indoor training– another important legacy that Club France will leave behind. Situated in the arena now is a string of food trucks serving everything from iconic French food such as crepes to Brazilian-inspired burgers.
Scattered throughout the venue are installations from the French Team’s sponsors such as Lacoste and Air France, studios for the French TV broadcasters and a number of areas where visitors can learn about French culture including dance demonstrations and even language lessons.
The feeling of a village is something that carries through into the area dedicated to the Paris 2024 bid. At the heart of their bid message is that Paris itself will be an Olympic Village, with the Games taking place both inside and outside the stadiums. The popular stand offers visitors the chance to experience a virtual reality experience of Olympic sports in iconic Parisian settings as well as an interactive map, a movie called Share Paris and a photo booth.
While vibrant and interesting by day, it is when the sun goes down that Club France really turns it on. Parties to celebrate French medalists pack up to 4,000 people into the specially designed arena.
The party then kicks on with Le Club, featuring famous European DJs on the weekends and bands throughout the week.
For more information about Club France, gohere.
Written by Alice Wheelerin Rio de Janeiro
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