The Olympic flame arrived in Marseille, France, to a warm reception from joyful crowds gathered along the streets. The torchbearers carried the flame through the city’s most emblematic sites, kicking off an 11-week journey across the country for the torch. Former soccer player Basile Boli and basketball player Tony Parker were among the celebrities participating in the relay, with locals and tourists alike cheering them on. The enthusiasm in Marseille for the flame was described as phenomenal, with participants from various backgrounds chosen to carry the torch.
The torch relay in Marseille also included a fencing champion, a skateboarder, a Michelin-starred chef, and a comedian, showcasing the diversity of participants in the event. The president of the Paris Olympics organizing committee, Tony Estanguet, encouraged everyone to join in the celebration and share the moment with millions of people across the country. The torchbearers were scheduled to run past landmarks in the city, culminating in the lighting of the Olympic cauldron by former soccer star Didier Drogba at the Stade Vélodrome, home to Marseille’s passionate soccer fans.
Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra expressed pride in giving the French people a sense of national pride through the Olympics. The inclusion of Ukrainian gymnast Mariia Vysochanska, who competed in the Tokyo Olympics, was also a symbol of solidarity with Ukraine and a gesture to mark Europe Day. The torch relay aimed to celebrate Europe’s values and unity, with a special focus on supporting Ukraine in its struggle against aggression. Marseille hosted a grand celebration for the flame’s arrival, with over 230,000 people attending the ceremony in the Old Port.
During the Games, Marseille will host the sailing competition and some soccer matches, adding to the city’s legacy as a sports hub. The enthusiasm and support shown by the locals in Marseille reflected the excitement and anticipation for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. The torch relay was a symbolic journey that brought together athletes, celebrities, and ordinary individuals to celebrate the spirit of sport and unity. The event showcased the power of sports to unite people from different backgrounds and cultures, highlighting the values of teamwork, resilience, and determination that define the Olympic movement.
