February 03, (THEWILL) – The Olympic flame for Paris 2024 will be transported from Greece on the Belem, a three-masted tall ship, which will arrive in France at the Old Port of Marseille.
The Torch Relay in France will begin in Marseille, which is a former Greek colony and the oldest city in France. It will host sailing events and football matches during the Olympics and will be the site of a popular festival to welcome the Olympic flame.
The full route of the Torch Relay will be revealed in May, but it is expected to travel across France over several weeks, finishing its journey in Paris at the Opening Ceremony on July 26. The journey from Greece to France will be a highly symbolic and meaningful journey of sport, with the BPCE group and Coca-Cola sponsoring the event.
Tony Estanguet, Paris 2024 President, noted that the city of Marseille was chosen for many reasons, including its close involvement in the Paris 2024 project and its reflection of the image of the Games as popular, festive, warm, and multicultural. Benoît Payan, Mayor of Marseille, added that it was a joy for the city to be the first phase of the Olympic flame’s arrival and to celebrate with the world.
Also, Renaud Muselier, President of the Regional Council of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, believes that Southern France is a fitting stage for the Games and will show the world the historic events taking place in the region.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
