11 Sep 2020

Tahiti locals wary about 2024 Olympics

4:55 pm on 11 September 2020

Organisers of the 2024 Olympic surf competition are being asked by French Polynesians to discuss their detailed plans for the event.

A Surfer training days out from Billabong's annual Tahiti competition at Teahupoo reef. TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA - AUGUST 5 2018

Teahupoo Photo: Andrea Izzotti/123RF

Locals in the Teahupoo area of Tahiti said there was no consultation with them when the bid to host the surfing event of the Paris Olympics was made.

A group of locals involved in tourism, sport and the environment wants to be involved in the preparations, fearing that the Games could spoil the area.

According to their information, the plan involves major developments, including building a helipad and an Olympic village.

They said they feared that pharaonic and huge projects could threaten the natural balance and harmony of the place.

They said they were not against the event but wanted a dialogue.