Beyond the rings #6 - June 19th
Here comes the 6th edition of the weekly newsletter crafted by the Weber Shandwick France team.??
Unsurprisingly, politics and influence remain at the heart of all discussions this week. However, the initial tests for the opening ceremony on the Seine went off without a hitch, and the flame continues its journey at a breakneck pace. Happy reading!??
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WHAT’S FLAMING THIS WEEK? By Laurent MANOLOGLOU
"The 2024 Paris Olympics are set to become a political hotbed unlike any we've seen since the Cold War," asserts Lukas Aubin, Director of Research at IRIS. His statement sets the stage for the forthcoming global sport event of the year.?
?Long acknowledged, the forthcoming games are more than a sport event. They are a mirror to our global socio-political climate, and we are now reaching an unprecedented peak in this trend.?
The recent unity of French athletes against political extremism exemplifies this perfectly. Their collective stance against intolerance and injustice transcends the boundaries of the sports field, morphing into a powerful demonstration of social change.?
Adding to this, the increasing political engagement of influencers introduces a new layer of complexity to this landscape. French global figures such as Kylian Mbappé use the power of the voice to shape public opinion and societal values.?
We could cite several other examples, such as the inclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes under neutral banners.?
All these elements lead to one conclusion: the balance between the encapsulated world of games and the surrounding geopolitical context is more delicate than ever.?
SPORT IS CULTURE, GEOPOLITICS, INFLUENCE, …?
These evolving dynamics and the increasing intertwining of sports, politics, and digital influence present a unique challenge for businesses. It's no longer just about associating with an iconic event or figure for economic benefits. The implications are much broader and deeper, touching on social and political aspects. As a result, they must navigate this complex landscape with foresight, responsibility, and a clear understanding of their corporate values.?
Russian and Belarusian athletes in Paris this summer?
Fourteen Russian and eleven Belarusian athletes under neutral banners have been authorized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to take part in four disciplines.
The athletes not only had to pass the qualification hurdle, but also a double check, first by the international federations and then by the IOC, of their lack of active support for the war in Ukraine and of any links with their country's army.??
After initially banning the two countries' athletes from world sporting events following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the IOC orchestrated their gradual return, under a neutral banner, subject to strict conditions and excluding them from team events from the outset.?
Will this summer's Games have an impact on France's early parliamentary elections???
At least, that's what Emmanuel Macron believes, having declared at the G7 in Italy that the French will not want leaders "who are not ready". Indeed, the organization of such an event gives rise to fear and concern on several issues, including security. A change of government on the eve of the biggest event of the year is worrying. But IOC President Thomas Bach is reassuring that there are "no worries" about the French elections. He further stated that Jordan Bardella, the leader of the National Rally reassured that he would not "modify" the "arrangements" for the Games if he were to become Prime Minister.??
The big swim has been postponed again by Anne Hidalgo.??
Originally scheduled for June 23 or 30, Paris City Hall has announced that the Mayor’s swim in the Seine River will only take place between the second round of the legislative elections and the Opening Ceremony. In addition, a bulletin will be published on a regular basis to track changes in the quality of the Seine's water.??
The first report is clear: the Seine River was only swimmable once during the first ten days of June. Yet, the city is pleased with the "gradual improvement in water quality".??
?????Influencers for a better World!??
In case you’ve missed it, the French influencer Squeezie invited his followers to vote against the extreme right or National Rally (Rassemblement National - RN). And he’s not the only one. Chloé Gervais, his girlfriend, is also sharing many posts inviting her viewers to do so, and so does Léna Situations and Mister V. Many other French streamers, Youtubers and celebrities have reshared Squeezie’s post.?
To provide context, the Celebrity Blockout 2024 emerged from the Israel-Palestine conflict. It criticizes the irresponsibility of influencers and celebrities in response to global chaos. Since this event, influencers and celebrities have felt more compelled to take positions on important issues.?
??In fact, in an open letter published on Sqeezie’s instagram, he publicly affirmed that he was mobilizing against the extreme right and their ideas and explained that “RN won’t help you”.?
?And to spill the tea, Jordan Bardella - the president of RN - answered him, wondering if Squeezie's "agitation" was due to competition from Tibo Inshape.
领英推荐
?? If you want to read his letter, we got you!?
???Influencers - a new way of documenting events!?
Comcast's media company, which holds the U.S. broadcasting rights for this season of Games, aims to attract more young viewers who are less likely to watch traditional live TV.?
Influencers like gymnast Olivia Dunne, comedian Haley Kalil, and Daniel Mac, known for his luxury car interviews, will be among 27 creators filming the events in this season of games for platforms like Snapchat, YouTube, and TikTok. Meta Platforms and Overtime will also bring creators to the Games in partnership with NBCU.?
If you want to go further, we got you!?
??And here are influencers to follow this season:?
????Did you ever hear about braveness? Well, it’s Léo! Léo Lassudrie is a French influencer who gained attention for sharing his recovery journey after becoming paraplegic due to an accident. He documents his progress, daily experiences, and moments of humor, often using self-deprecating humor and a positive outlook to inspire his audience. He talks about sports and sends hope, especially during this period of games, where he shares his story to motivate people to go beyond their fears.?
You can follow him on Instagram:?
We got Marine Leleu who’s an accomplished triathlete, she shares her sporting challenges, preparations for extreme events, and tips for staying motivated. Her adventurous spirit and constant quest for self-improvement embody the Olympic values and inspire her followers to set ambitious goals.?
Here is her Instagram account:?
Political Turmoil Threatens this Summer’s event?
With the event set to begin on July 26, the dissolution of the French National Assembly and ensuing political crisis threaten to overshadow the event, capturing the public's attention and causing significant uncertainty.?
Revealing the Contingency Plan for the Opening Ceremony?
As preparations for this summer intensify, discover the backup strategy for the grand opening event, potentially shifting to a spectacular parade from the Eiffel Tower to Trocadéro, amid security concerns and logistical challenges.?
Athletes Rally Against Extremism: Uniting for a Better Future?
As UEFA's Euro 2024 soccer tournament gets underway, several French team athletes take a stand against rising far-right extremism ahead of legislative elections. They emphasize values learned through sports - respect, solidarity, and inclusivity - and warn against intolerance and injustice. Urging civic duty and unity, they aim to build a democratic, tolerant society, rejecting division and fear.?
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