By Humberto Viera
08 May 2024, 17:18 PM EDT
On a radiant day and with a festive atmosphere that infected thousands of people, the Olympic flame of the Paris 2024 Games arrived on French territory, marking the beginning of its journey through the French country. The port city of Marseille was the scene of a lavish ceremony led by President Emmanuel Macron, in which 150,000 people and a thousand ships gathered to welcome this symbol of peace and unity.
The sailing ship Belem, an emblematic vessel with three masts, had the honor of transporting the Olympic flame from Piraeus to Marseille. For twelve days, she sailed the waters of the Mediterranean carrying the hope and emotion of thousands of people who eagerly await the arrival of the Olympic Games.
The organizers of the Paris 2024 Games paid special attention to creating a ceremony that reflected the cultural richness and diversity of France. The Old Port of Marseille became a magical setting, where historical elements, local traditions and a modern touch were mixed.
As the sun set, the city was illuminated with an impressive pyrotechnic show that drew the colors of the Olympic rings in the sky. The Marseille Philharmonic Orchestra performed the official melody of the Games, while tenor Naestro sang La Marseillaise, France’s national anthem, in a moving voice.
The Olympic swimming champion Florent Manaudou, symbol of French sport, descended from Belem with the torch in his hands. After an emotional journey, Manaudou handed the flame to the Paralympic athlete Nantenin Keïta, who in turn passed it to the rapper Jul, in charge of lighting the cauldron that marked the arrival of the Olympic fire to Marseille.
Starting this Wednesday, the Olympic flame will begin its journey through the 64 departments of France, traveling more than 13,000 kilometers in the hands of 10,000 relievers. French sports personalities such as Tony Parker, Nando de Colo, Didier Drogba, Jean Pierre Papin, Éric di Meco, Valentin Rongier, Fabien Gilot, Frédérick Bousquet and Pascale Trinquet-Hachin will be some of the first to carry the flame through the streets of Paris .
The arrival of the Olympic flame in Marseille has been a resounding success, marking the beginning of a sporting and cultural adventure that will unite the entire country. The Paris 2024 Games are presented as an opportunity to celebrate peace, fraternity and human excellence, values that the Olympic flame carries with it on its journey around the world.
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