An anti-Olympics collective called Saccage 2024, which translates as “Destruction 2024”, has launched a campaign to recruit fake volunteers to disrupt the 2024 Paris Games. Their plan, which has already gained momentum on social media, aims to be a form of protest against the negative environmental impact of the event and its perceived benefit to big businesses and elites, rather than locals. Saccage members argue that rather than being for the common good, the Olympic Games lack charitable aims.
Despite the Paris 2024 organisers denying any comment on this matter, they have previously said that they aim to host “popular and spectacular Games” with millions of visitors. The organisers are looking to recruit 45,000 volunteers and stress that volunteering is an opportunity to participate in the Olympics. The deadline for applications is May 3rd, and background checks and interviews will be conducted. Volunteers will receive uniforms, free travel, and meal vouchers.
Saccage members aim to withdraw at the last minute or disrupt the Games from within if they are selected as volunteers. The Games are more than a year away, and it is uncertain whether activists will be able to generate the numbers required to disrupt events. Nevertheless, the plan reflects widespread discontent in France, where large protests occur over the law increasing the pension age, and hashtags link opposition to the reform and the Olympics.
According to Jules Boykoff, a political scientist at Oregon University, using the Olympic Games to further their causes is not a new concept for activists; the Games are a high-profile target for activist ire.
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