Opening ceremony pivotal to Olympics success, says London Games minister

For Robertson, whose role 12 years ago is filled by French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera this year, says his greatest concern at the London opening ceremony was keeping the "athletes' parade to time". Paris organisers must contend with an unprecedented waterborne ceremony, leaving the confines of the main stadium for the first time in history. "The importance of the opening ceremony is one of the reasons why Paris 2024’s innovative decision to use the river Seine is so imaginative and striking," Robertson said.