The Paris Olympics are on the horizon, and the anticipation is palpable! This weekend, the 2024 Olympic flame embarked on a magical voyage to France aboard a stunning three-masted ship, the “Belem.” This significant event marks a major step on the road to the opening ceremony on July 26th.
The “Belem” set sail from Piraeus, Greece, on an 11-day odyssey that will conclude with its grand arrival in Marseille on May 8th. Interestingly, Marseille was established by Greek settlers in antiquity, making the ship’s journey even more symbolic. It’s a fitting tribute to the ancient Olympic tradition that began in Greece and is now being celebrated in France.
Following the traditional lighting ceremony in Olympia, Greece, which ignited an 11-day relay across the Greek countryside, the flame was officially handed over to Paris organizers on Friday at the prestigious Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, the site of the very first modern Olympics in 1896.
After a celebratory send-off in Piraeus, the “Belem” gracefully set sail for France. The arrival of the flame in Marseille is expected to draw a massive crowd of 150,000 for a special ceremony. Not only will Marseille host the Olympic sailing competitions, but it will also be the launching point for the epic 68-day French torch relay that will weave its way across the entire nation, bringing the Olympic spirit to every corner of France.
The French torch relay will reach its grand finale in Paris on July 26th, where the Olympic cauldron will be illuminated during the opening ceremony held along the Seine River. Organizers are striving to create a jaw-dropping spectacle featuring a flotilla of 160 boats carrying athletes from around the globe, navigating a six-kilometre route towards the Eiffel Tower. Imagine the scene: 160 boats filled with enthusiastic athletes parading down the Seine, culminating in the lighting of the cauldron – a truly global celebration of sport and unity.
With the eyes of the world watching and security forces on high alert due to ongoing international conflicts, an estimated 300,000 spectators will witness this historic event live. To ensure a safe and successful Olympic Games, the French government has requested additional security personnel from several countries.
