Sunday’s Paris Diamond League meeting will go ahead in an “adapted format” despite an “exceptional heatwave” after organizers confirmed they had reached an agreement with the city’s police.
On Friday morning, the Prefecture de Police issued a statement saying they had asked organizers of several scheduled events, including the athletics competition, to cancel due to the ongoing “red alert” measures implemented in response to record-breaking temperatures.
But after talks, the schedule has been adjusted, including a delayed gate opening time, alongside other steps to protect athletes, staff and spectators.
A French Athletics Federation (FFA) statement read: “In agreement with the Paris Police Prefecture and in light of the exceptional heatwave currently affecting the region, the French Athletics Federation (FFA) confirms that the Paris Meeting, scheduled for Sunday, June 28 at Charlety Stadium, will go ahead in an adapted format designed to ensure the safety of all participants.
“In accordance with the measures agreed upon with the French authorities and in full compliance with the current prefectural order, the day’s schedule has been adjusted and the event has not been cancelled.
“Only competitions involving professional athletes will be held. Conversely, all activities for athletics clubs and licensed members, as well as regional competitions, have been cancelled.
“Since the beginning of this extreme weather event, the FFA has been closely monitoring the situation in constant coordination with government authorities. The safety of athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials, spectators, and all staff involved remains our highest priority.”
Meteo-France has forecast a high of 39 degrees Celsius in Paris on Saturday and a peak of 32 on Sunday.
Paris police placed the area under a red alert for an “extreme heatwave” from Saturday.
