Olympic Games Day 12: A Star-Studded Day at South Paris Arena 1

Albert II, Prince of Monaco, and an IOC Member, came to see the sporting spectacle, bringing a touch of royal prestige to the arena.

The Grand Duke of Luxembourg added another royal touch to the day, taking in the amazing atmosphere

Also joining was Gianni Infantino, the FIFA President

Adding to the star power was Gabriel Attal, the Prime Minister of France, who took time to come and support the French national team. By his side was Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, the French Minister for Sport

Also in attendance was Etienne Thobois, CEO of Paris 2024, and Aurélie Merle, the Executive Director of Sports Competitions for Paris 2024

Pau Gasol, an icon of Spanish basketball was joined by Raphael Pascual, a former volleyball great, and Joop Alberda

The atmosphere at South Paris Arena 1 was nothing short of electric on day 12 of the Olympic Games, as the venue became a magnet for a star-studded lineup of dignitaries and sporting icons who came to witness the action firsthand.

The day involved the much-anticipated showdown between France and Italy, a match that had the entire arena on its feet, with fans cheering enthusiastically for the home team. Among the sea of passionate supporters, an array of distinguished guests added an extra layer of excitement.

Albert II, Prince of Monaco, and an IOC Member, came to see the sporting spectacle, bringing a touch of royal prestige to the arena. Also joining was Gianni Infantino, the FIFA President, who exchanged his usual focus on football for a front-row seat to the thrilling volleyball action.

The Grand Duke of Luxembourg added another royal touch to the day, taking in the amazing atmosphere.

Adding to the star power was Gabriel Attal, the Prime Minister of France, who took time to come and support the French national team. By his side was Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, the French Minister for Sport. Together, they cheered on the French team alongside thousands of French fans.

Also in attendance was Etienne Thobois, CEO of Paris 2024, and Aurélie Merle, the Executive Director of Sports Competitions for Paris 2024. Both were visibly pleased to see the Olympic spirit come alive in such a vibrant and passionate atmosphere.

Earlier in the afternoon, before the France-Italy clash, the arena hosted a thrilling semi-final between Poland and the USA. This match drew its own set of volleyball legends, including Pau Gasol, an icon of Spanish basketball. He was joined by Raphael Pascual, a former volleyball great, and Joop Alberda, the coach behind the Netherlands’ gold-medal-winning team in the Olympic Games Atlanta 1996.

South Paris Arena 1 hosted unforgettable matches today and was a hub for an extraordinary convergence of sports, the global volleyball community and world leaders. Bring on day 13!