Arkema’s Post

With the closure of the Pan American Games hosted by Chile in 2023, the spotlight now shifts to the Olympic Games in Paris, scheduled to take place from July 24 to August 11, 2024. This upcoming event signifies a pivotal juncture for countless athletes who, having devoted four years of their lives, are poised to compete for mere seconds that hold the promise of eternal glory. The allure of these games lies not only in the incredible feats of athleticism but also in the tremendous attention and investment they attract. Consider the remarkable financial scale of the Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has earned billions of dollars by capitalizing on broadcast and sponsorship rights. To put this into perspective, the 2014 and 2016 games generated nearly $6 billion, surpassing the approximately $4 billion FIFA earned from the sale of television and marketing rights for the 2014 Soccer World Cup. The magnitude of these events prompts sponsors to invest roughly $1 billion to feature the games' logo in their marketing campaigns. However, for the host city and its community, the decision to host such an event involves a delicate balance. The positive impacts, such as global visibility, the creation of legacy infrastructure that can further promote local sports, and economic stimulus, must be weighed against the potential negative consequences. These negatives include environmental impacts, the displacement of local populations, and the financial effect, which often leaves cities burdened with massive debts and little tangible gain after the games conclude. As the world eagerly anticipates the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the international community is reminded of the dual nature of these mega-events — spectacles of human achievement and, at times, complex challenges that require careful consideration and management. #panamericanossantiago2023 #olympics2024 #paris2024

Sometimes one smile, one encounter can change all.   I’ve just received an email from the #Paris2024 confirming my participation and my mission as a volunteer during the Olympic Games. I feel lucky and privileged to be selected from thousands of applications.   It is not my first experience as a volunteer in a sport event. I did it in 2016 for the Europe Football championships. It was a unique chance to meet people from various backgrounds, including organizers, spectators, and other volunteers.   So, there was no question to candidate again: this time for the Olympics. Being in Paris in 2024 will feel like being in THE city of the world. It is personal fulfillment in contributing to a major event like the Games. To be not just a spectator but be part of it. To share emotions: the pride, happiness, cries, failures, and success. It will be a precious experience, and I am grateful that Sanofi gives me this opportunity.    What will be my mission? I am a press operations’ team member. I will welcome and assist accredited media at a competition site, participate in the staging of Press Conferences and facilitate discussions between participants. By chance or not, this mission is well aligned with my first training in media management.   Sometimes one smile, one encounter can change all. I hope that my smile and my kindness can change someone’s day during the Games. What is sure is that numerous people that I will meet, will change my life.   #Paris2024 ; #TeamSanofi ; #SanofiStories ; #Volunteering

It was a privilege to listen to Lord Sebastian Coe at the Association for Global Event Suppliers conference 2024 at London Stadium this morning, expertly interviewed by Sarah Lewis OBE OLY. Seb is a true visionary for sport and the power sport events have to bring people together. 🫶🏻 My key takeouts from the last two days: 1. Never be afraid to re-visit the masterplan - Hilary Ash provided great insights about how LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games have reviewed and refreshed their planning during their unprecedented 11 year lead in to the Games, taking in to account new stadia which didn’t exist at the time of the Bid. 🏟️ 2. People - we are a ‘people’ industry and, as Michael Gietzen highlighted, there is such a shortage of skilled labour in the industry following the pandemic. It’s important for us, as industry leaders, to continue to inspire and retain the next generation of talent. 👩🎓 👫👫👫 3. Formula E has been net zero since day zero (10 years ago). The World Athletics Championships in 2027 will be the first to deliver against all 55 International Olympic Committee – IOC Sustainability objectives. We need to be doing more as an industry to ensure ALL new and existing events are delivered responsibly. 🌿 4. World Athletics will be completely gender balanced both on and off the field by next year. I am encouraged to hear this but why is it even a ‘thing’?! We need more diversity and female leadership and I implore ALL companies, federations, rights holders, suppliers to actively pursue opportunities to achieve this. 🧍♀️ 5. I am continually reminded at events such as this, what a brilliant industry we work in and how so many incredible people come together on major projects to solve complex issues and make the impossible happen. ✨❤️ #powerofevents Trivandi

Here is another sports analogy for you.... Imagine a workplace that feels like the Olympic Village —full of mutual respect, support, and celebration. The 2024 Paris Olympics isn’t just a sporting event; it’s a catalyst for women’s empowerment (or a ‘femininomenon’ if you will). From Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles bowing to Rebeca Andrade to Lindsey Horan embracing Saki Kumagai, women athletes are winning hearts by supporting each other. This reminds us of the power of lifting each other up—a lesson for any workplace. During my career intermission between adidas and Nike, I joined a women’s networking group in Portland. It felt like my own "Career Olympics"—brilliant women connecting, sharing knowledge, and cheering each other on. We didn’t fight for a seat at the table; we built a bigger, better table together. Reading this ELLE Magazine article about the Olympics brought me back to those days. It’s about women showing up, speaking out, and lifting each other. In a divided world, seeing rivals become friends is the wholesome content we need. "Female athletes are winning off the podium too—by showing up for, speaking out in support of, and fangirling over each other—no matter the country, game, or score. At a time when the whole world feels divided on almost everything, watching rivals become BFFs reminds us of the healing power of good sportsmanship—and what women are capable of achieving when they are not being pitted against each other." In the career race, we’re not competing against each other; we’re competing against the obstacles. And those obstacles don’t stand a chance against our united front.🥇🙌 #WomenInLeadership #Paris2024 #Empowerment #GenderEquality #Olympics2024 #WomenSupportingWomen #Femininomenon

Have you ever wondered what Team GB's network of team leaders, coaches, physiotherapists, nutritionists and medical officers do at an Olympic Games to make sure every athlete is at the top of their game? 🥇 This #InternationalWomensDay, some of the key women leading Team GB to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games talk through their own experiences and what it means to be a woman behind the scenes in sport. #TeamGB #Paris2024

"After years of fighting for global sport to recognize its impact and responsibility toward human rights, the year 2023 ushered in a new era – an era where human rights can no longer be ignored by sport governing bodies," writes Andrea Florence, director of the Sport & Rights Alliance. "With the Australia and New Zealand Women’s World Cup, this past year featured the first-ever mega sporting event to have human rights criteria included its Host Country Contract. We will see the same with this year with the #EURO 2024 and the Paris Summer #Olympics. "On the heels of the 2022 #Qatar Men’s World Cup, it’s also clear that public awareness for sport’s human rights problem has also never been higher. A YouGov opinion poll commissioned by our partner @Amnesty International proves this with data – over 50% of people surveyed in 15 countries said they believe human rights should be a critical consideration in deciding who hosts major international sporting events. "However, what 2023 has also proved is that policies and bidding processes are not enough – and maintaining the public’s faith that sport can and will be an authentic force for good is no small challenge." 📌 Read the rest of our director's reflections and the #SRA's 2023 #AnnualReport below. https://lnkd.in/dYATqzYR

🌍🎉 A Global Celebration of Excellence 🎉🌍 Congratulations to France and the entire world for hosting the Olympic Games 2024, a spectacular event that brought us all together to witness the best of human spirit and performance. 🇳🇱 #TeamNL Shines Bright 🇳🇱 I’m incredibly proud of The Netherlands, #TeamNL, for securing an impressive 6th place overall. For a country of nearly 18 million, this is nothing short of extraordinary. 🏆 The Winning Formula: Strategy - Structure - Culture 🏆 In my business, I often emphasize the importance of getting the balance between Strategy, Structure, and Culture right. The Dutch sports organisation NOC*NSF exemplified this with its mission to "connect and inspire The Netherlands through the power of sports". Their goal? A top 10 position at the Olympics, which they surpassed with flying colors. 1️⃣ Strategy: NOC*NSF set a clear mission to place The Netherlands among the top 10 at the Olympics, backed by a long-term strategic plan that ensures consistent progress and focus on achieving this goal. 2️⃣ Structure: They appointed a strong leadership team, including an outstanding Chef de Mission, and provided world-class facilities for athletes to train, compete, and recover. This well-organized structure has been crucial in supporting the athletes' success. 3️⃣ Culture: NOC*NSF nurtures a national culture that deeply values sports. This culture not only drives high participation rates but also ensures that athletes become role models, inspiring the next generation to engage in various sports, whether it's picking up a tennis racket, a volleyball, a hockey stick, or starting marathon training. As many of us return from holidays, let's take a moment to reflect on the Strategy - Structure - Culture balance within our organizations. It’s this balance that drives both sporting and business success. #Olympics2024 #TeamNL #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #Inspiration #Culture #PerformanceExcellence

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬' 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐢-𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐲 I am deeply pained when I read about Angela Carini's defeat in her recent fight against Imane Khalif at the ongoing Paris Olympics. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐢; 𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬. When policies are applied without thought, they can cause real harm. The fight between Carini and Khalif, a biological male, is a prime example. It’s clear to me that this is an injustice to Carini, and it’s unfair to the other athletes who will face Khalif in future rounds. As someone who cares deeply about sports and the Olympic movement, I believe leadership needs to step up. We need policies that make sense and are fair. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞; 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬. Our leaders must engage with everyone involved—athletes, medical experts, and the community—to find solutions that work for everyone. Think about it. The irony is immense, this has happened in #France, The country that gave us the values of #Liberty, #equality and #fraternity? The Olympic movement should reflect these values, ensuring that sports remain fair and inclusive. #SportsLeadership #FairCompetition #FemaleAthletes #OlympicValues #EqualityInSports #AthleteRights #AngelaCarini #SportsIntegrity #InclusionAndFairness #ProtectWomensSports #Paris2024

The international athletes community gathered in Lausanne for the International Olympic Committee – IOC International Athletes' Forum. BOIC Athletes' Commission members Jasper Lefevere and Yuhan Tan represented the voice of Belgian athletes. 💬 Jasper Lefevere: "The International Athletes' Forum brings together Athletes' Commissions from all around the world. It is the place to be for the IOC to get direct input from athletes. The exchange between athletes is crucial. It allows us to further optimise the functioning of our Athletes' Commission to make even more the difference for Belgian athletes." Safeguarding in sport was one of the main topics on the agenda. Tine Vertommen, Expert Consultant of the Safe Sport Unit of the IOC and Thomas More University of Applied Sciences researcher, managed a workshop for European athletes during the Forum. 💬 Tine Vertommen: "Having the opportunity to train athletes around this issue during the Forum was very much appreciated by all participants. It is clear that athletes also want to be able to make a difference for a safe sport environment. This presents a fantastic opportunity as athletes are important ambassadors of their sport." Read more on the Team Belgium website: ▶ NL: https://bit.ly/3M3owOL ▶ FR : https://bit.ly/3S9k3xw #IAF2023 #Athlete365 #SafeSport #Safeguarding #Voiceoftheathletes