Paris 2024: Marseille to welcome Olympic flame in spring as it begins journey through France
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ByEurosport
Updated 03/02/2023 at 11:30 GMT
The organising committee of Paris 2024 have unveiled the first outlines of the Olympic flame’s journey into France. In spring 2024, after being set ablaze in Olympia, Greece, it will enter French soil from the south – in Marseille, via the Old Port. "Marseille is a city that reflects the image of the Games: popular, festive, warm and multicultural,” said Paris 2024 president Tony Estanguet.
'A fantastic city' - Why Marseille was picked to launch Olympic torch relay
Less than 18 months before the Olympic Games in Paris get underway, the organising committee have revealed a teaser for the Olympic flame's upcoming journey.
Next spring, the ultimate symbol of the Olympics will be ignited in the ancient Greek site of Olympia. From there, it will head to France via the Mediterranean aboard the Belem, a tall three-masted ship.
The flame will arrive at the French mainland for the first time at the Old Port in Marseille, a city that has significant historical links with Greece. Marseille, once known as Massilia, was founded in 600 BCE by Greek settlers from Phocaea.
During the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, Marseille will host football matches at the Stade Vélodrome and sailing events at the Marina.
“Paris 2024 chose the city of Marseille for many reasons, some historical, some symbolic, some geographical…” said Paris 2024 president Tony Estanguet.
“The key role that sport occupies in the city and in the hearts of its residents was a crucial factor, as was the city’s close involvement in the Paris 2024 project, including its hosting of sailing and football events.
“We are especially delighted to see the Olympic flame in Marseille because this is a city that reflects the image of the Games: popular, festive, warm and multicultural.
“In spring 2024, it’s not just the flame that will arrive in Marseille: the Games themselves will be returning to France, 100 years after the last summer edition!”
The mayor of Marseille, Benoît Payan, was also delighted with the honour given to his city: “It is a joy for the city of Marseille to be the first phase of the prologue of the Olympic flame and to celebrate with the world its arrival in France.
“Welcoming this big celebration will be the opportunity for the people of Marseille to gather, to vibrate, and to share a big popular event on the Vieux Port. This global event will be allowing everyone to share a joyful moment of conviviality and solidarity.”
The complete route of the Olympic flame, intended to light the cauldron at the opening ceremony on July 26, 2024 in Paris, will be unveiled in May 2023.
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