PARIS, Ark. – Many are excited for the 2024 Summer Olympic games in Paris, France, especially those in a small Arkansas town thanks to a connection they share.

Paris, Arkansas Mayor Daniel Rogers said he is glad the town shares the same name as where the Olympics are being held.

“We do like to use our name in any way we can to promote our city and business and bring people into the beautiful river valley of Arkansas,” Rogers said.

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Rogers said they hope to attract more people to their small town where they’re showing off some new southern Olympic charm.

“They added some Olympic rings to that and we also added a light that people will shine at night and it will be gold,” Rogers said.

Clay Walker, a Paris High School wrestler, said the name connection has also brought up some interesting conversations.

“It’s cool but is kind of awkward when you talk to people and they ask if you are from Paris, France. No, just Paris, Arkansas,” Walker said.

Kaydence Freeman, who also plays three sports for the high school, said she likes that the town has a statue to represent Paris.

“I mean you can make some connections, I guess the Eiffel Tower,” Freeman said.

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Although they don’t live in France, Walker’s teammate Adam Daniels said he hopes to one day make it to the Olympics.

“It would mean a lot to me as long as I can make my mom proud and if one day I can go to the Olympics and hang a medal around my mom’s neck,” Daniels said. “I would be happy.”

Mason Ullrich runs track and plays football for the high school and said the Olympic games make him want to work harder.

“It would be a huge honor for sure and I would love to go see it one day,” Ullrich said.

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Freeman said she thinks the Olympics inspires every athlete, whether or not they’re from a small town or a big city.

“It’s a great thing to look up to and watch those athletes and see how they play on the greatest level you can,” Freeman said.

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