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New York Post
Torchbearers in France kick off the Olympic flame’s journey across the country
By Associated Press,
11 days ago
Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France’s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony.
The torch begins its 11-week journey across the country with about 10,000 bearers passing through more than 450 towns until the Games’ opening ceremony in Paris on July 26.
Former soccer player Basile Boli, who played with the Marseille team in the 1990s, will launch Thursday’s first relay from Notre Dame de la Garde basilica that overlooks Marseille and the Mediterranean.
First torch carrier in France French Olympic swimmer Florent Manaudou holds the Olympic torch after leaving The Belem, the three-masted sailing ship in the Old port of Marseille, southern France, on May 8, 2024. AP
Basketball player Tony Parker was to take his turn in the relay later Thursday.
A fencing champion, a skateboarder, a Michelin-starred chef and a comedian were also chosen to carry the flame.
Participants were scheduled to run all day through the most emblematic places of the city to bring the torch on the roof of the famed Stade Velodrome, home to Marseille’s passionate soccer fans.
The city on Wednesday celebrated with great fanfare the flame’s arrival as Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan said that more than 230,000 people attended the ceremony in the Old Port.
“It’s just incredible, just magical,” resident Amel Sekko said.
French rap artist Jul holds the Olympic torch during the torch arrival ceremony in Marseille, southern France, on May 8, 2024. AP
French Paralympic athlete Nantenin Keïta holds the Olympic torch, flanked by the first torch carrier in France, French Olympic swimmer Florent Manaudou (L), and Jul, during the torch arrival ceremony in Marseille, southern France. AP The Patrouille de France aerobatics demonstration aircraft leave a tricolor trail of smoke in the sky as the Belem, the three-masted sailing ship bringing the Olympic flame from Greece, enters the Old Port in Marseille, southern France, on May 8, 2024. AP
“We needed it. We never have events or beautiful things like this in Marseille.”
Mouna Boulhas, another Marseille resident, said: “It’s something you have to experience at least once in your life … We have the sun and the Olympic flame.”
During the Games, the sailing competition and some soccer matches will be held in Marseille.
For the latest in sports, top headlines, breaking news and more, visit nypost.com/sports/
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