This Friday, Vichy welcomed the Olympic Flame for a historic relay and to set the mood in the city.
It is a historic event which took place this Friday in Vichy (Allier). The Olympic Flame walked, torchbearer after torchbearer, through the city for the 37th stages. And we can say that the Flame will have seen the Bourbonnais country through the mountains and the Vichy basin.
After a morning spent in Le Mayet-de-Montagne, Saint-Yorre and Saint-Germain-des-Fossés, the Olympic Flame headed to Cusset then to the CREPS in Bellerive-sur-Allier. This is where the festivities began in Vichy with an arrival on the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville at 7:30 p.m. in front of a bustling audience.
The Jacques Chirac bridge was packed when the torchbearers arrived © Felicie D. – RVA
A great moment of celebration and general communion
Thousands of curious people came to the celebration site to observe the Olympic Flame, even from afar. On the large stage of the Olympic village, numerous associations and structures performed to entertain the public. The Vichy brass conservatory offered a concert in harmony with well-known music. “I feel good” or even Star Wars will not have escaped the ears of spectators.
The children of the community of communes of Saint-Pourçain Sioule Limagne launched into the dance of the Olympic games. Learned in just a week, the teenagers gave everything despite the rainaccompanied by professional dancers from Allier.
Théo Curin revives the cauldron and the heart of Vichy
This moment of communion, in such a gloomy period, did good to many spectators. And in particular to the torchbearers who each covered 200 meters. We met two of them. To start with Théo Curin, the Paralympic athlete knows Vichy well since he trained at CREPS for many years. “I met my best friends here so obviously it’s quite exceptional to carry the Flame here.” the swimmer tells us.
“I was far from imagining receiving such a welcome, it feels really good. We feel that people are ready to give their voice during the Games.”
Théo Curin had the honor of lighting the cauldron this Friday in Vichy. “It’s a unique moment, where we all share something, it’s strong and I hope everyone will support the Paralympic Games“. This strongly calls for come and attend the Paralympic Games where tickets start from 15 euros. “It’s the price of a cinema ticket, go for it!” insists the athlete.
The fervor around Théo Curin was particularly intense during his visit © Felicia D. – RVA / Xavier G. – RVA
Yves Carrey, 90 years old, heroic bearer of the Olympic Flame
He is the oldest of this route between CREPS and Vichy Town Hall. Yves Carrey, 90-year-old hiker and resident of Vichy for 52 years, carried the Olympic Flame “and it won’t happen to me again” he says laughing and continues “you have to be optimistic but not too much“. Yves Carrey assures that he had a happy, very sporty life and this Friday, June 21, remains one of the most beautiful memories of life.
“It was a unique opportunity and I am very proud to see that they thought of me”
While running, the 90-year-old hiker crossed a crowded Jacques Chirac bridge.
