Start of construction of the judges' tower for the surfing event of the Paris Olympic Games took place this week. Replacement of a wooden tower, which no longer met standards, with an aluminum structure had fueled strong tensions, particularly from environmental defenders.
A petition against the construction of this facility has gathered more than 250,000 signatories. The Olympic surfing event is scheduled for July 27 to 30, with a possible extension until August 5 if the swell is delayed. Two Polynesian surfers, Kauli Vaast and Vahine Fierro, will wear the colors of France.