Saint-Denis Residents Experience Olympics from Afar Amidst Local Struggles

PARIS (AP) — As the Olympic opening ceremony unfolded in Paris, many residents of the nearby neighborhood of Franc-Moisin in Saint-Denis felt disconnected from the festivities. Jean-Marie Filopon, a local resident, hurried home with groceries, highlighting the stark contrast between the glitzy event and the everyday realities of life in this low-income public housing complex. Built in 1974 on the site of a former slum, the area has seen little renovation, with plans for improvements not expected to be completed until 2030. A 2017 study revealed that the average annual income in Franc-Moisin was just 9,500 euros, significantly lower than the national average of 22,000 euros. Despite a new bridge linking the neighborhood to the Stade de France and the Aquatic Center, residents like Marie Léon expressed feelings of exclusion, anticipating police barriers that would prevent them from joining the celebrations. The sounds of the event were audible from their homes, yet the experience remained out of reach. Some locals, however, found joy in the ceremony. Anouchka Iowata, for instance, eagerly watched the performance of French singer Aya Nakamura, who hails from a nearby area. Iowata celebrated the moment, capturing it on her phone before heading to the gym, while Monique Kousso reflected on the excitement of hosting two major events in her lifetime. Meanwhile, children continued to play soccer in the rain, embodying the resilience of the community amidst the Olympic spectacle.