France hosts (and wins) record-breaking 2017 Handball World Championships

Paris, France – 30 January 2017

Full stadia as ticket sales top expectations; more than half a million fans shared another passionate celebration of sport in France

The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Bid Committee hails the record-breaking 2017 Handball World Championships following an incredible celebration last night in Paris.

In a game that saw hosts France beat Norway to win a record sixth world title, 15,000 fans and the athletes delivered a memorable celebration to audiences worldwide. The championships, which took place across eight host cities, drew huge support as attendance numbers beat the most optimistic expectations. Nearly 540,000 tickets were sold, exceeding the half a million mark across 84 matches in all venues and showing an 80% increase in ticket sales from 10 years ago at the 2007 championships in Germany, also hailed as a great success. Some 8.7 million people tuned in to watch the action on French TV and online.

The tournament will also be remembered for France’s quarterfinal match against Iceland in Lille when a crowd of 28,000 (a new world record) watched the match. Sunday’s final, held at Paris’s world-class AccorHotels Arena, saw 15,000 spectators witness France’s historic win. AccorHotels Arena (to be Paris Arena 1 in 2024) is sponsored by Accor Hotels - an official partner of the Paris 2024 bid. The venue is set to host Basketball, Judo and Wheelchair Basketball as part of Paris’s ultra-compact, city-centre Olympic and Paralympic Games concept.

The Olympic sport of handball attracts a huge following in France and the number of registered players has doubled to 600,000 since 2001, the last time the World Championships were held in France. Another example of the passion French people have for Olympic and Paralympic sports.

Thierry Omeyer, Olympic and World champion, goalkeeper for the French National Team and member of the Paris 2024 Athletes’ Committee, said:

"As athletes, we were overwhelmed by the support the tournament received from passionate fans throughout France and from around the world. The tournament showcased the very best of our nation and we were thrilled to be able to share it with all who participated.

"The success of this event is added proof of France’s ability to deliver incredible events and will serve to further unite the country behind Paris’ bid for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

Thierry Braillard, Secretary of State for Sports, said:

"We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. Paris and France have come together to deliver an event that has inspired the nation and cemented our hosting credentials on the international stage. With matches taking place across eight host cities in sold out stadia and packed fan zones, our passionate and sports-mad nation has truly embraced the spirit and camaraderie of sport."

Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris, said:

"I am proud of how the City of Paris has opened its arms to welcome players and fans from around the world, playing an integral part in the hosting of this incredible event with the world-class AccorHotels Arena, a future Paris 2024 venue (Paris Arena 1).

"The success of this tournament and Paris’ role in it is further proof that the city truly can deliver a Games of passion and purpose that will ignite the Olympic and Paralympic spirit around the world."

Tony Estanguet, Co-chairman of Paris 2024, said:

"The success of the 2017 Handball World Championships underlines Paris and France’s exceptional track record of hosting international sport events, that inspire fans around the world. Throughout the championships, fans packed official Fan Zones in Paris, Montpellier, Albertville, Nantes, Rouen and Metz to share their excitement and enthusiasm for the tournament, further highlighting our nation’s ability to embrace major events and share their passion for Olympic and Paralympic sport.

Denis Masseglia, President of the CNOSF, said:

"Sport in France continues to inspire and engage people of all ages and backgrounds in the spirit of competition and through the values we hold dear. Handball is a perfect example of an Olympic sport that has captured the imagination of the French people and as a result has seen massive growth over the past decade.

"Access and exposure to events such as the World Championships have a huge impact on that growth, which is why we are bidding to host the biggest show there is. A 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris would inspire new legions of fans and young athletes in France and help strengthen the sport movement around the world."

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors

Images:

Please find attached two images following the final of the 2017 Handball World Championships, which was won by France 33-26 against Norway and held at the AccorHotels Arena (a Paris 2024 venue) in Paris on 29 January.

For further information:

Raphaël Leclerc

Paris 2024 Bid Committee

Email: rleclerc@paris2024.org

Phone: +33 6 73 16 88 06

Sujit Jasani

VERO Communications

Email: sjasani@verocom.co.uk

Phone: +44 (0)207 812 6589 / +44 (0)7940 375 282

Engage with the Paris 2024 bid here:

Website: www.paris2024.org

Twitter: @Paris2024

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Paris2024

Instagram: http://instagram.com/paris2024

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