A Coca-Cola concert to kick off the festivities
The festivities have already started yesterday evening in the Loire, on the eve of the passing of the Olympic Flame. On the occasion of the Music Festival, Coca-Cola, one of the Official Sponsors of the Torch Relay, organized an exceptional concert for 5,000 people in Saint-Etienne. It took place on the square in front of the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium, where the celebration site was subsequently installed. For the occasion, Coke Studio presented a 100% female line-up with the two artists Santa et Bianca Costa who subsequently carried the Flame today to Saint-Chamond. These two artists are particularly popular with the general public. The first became known two years ago with its EP 999, which includes the title “Popcorn Salé”, certified Diamond and which has more than 100 million streams worldwide. The second stands out today as the new bossa nova diva, fusing French rap with the traditional sounds of Brazil. Her latest title, Immortal Queen, was produced with Sia and Chaka Khan. Before them, it is the soul voice of Saint-Etienne We who opened the concert with his inimitable talent. Emotions guaranteed!
A walk from Roanne to Saint-Etienne
Since this morning, the Olympic Flame has discovered a hilly territory, appreciated by athletes all year round. The department is popular with skiers in winter and with cyclists when the nice weather arrives. Gastronomy lovers are not left out, as the pleasures of the Loire are numerous, between its characterful cheeses and its famous Duculty sausage.
La Flamme started its day in Roanne where it notably discovered the historic squares of the city – Place des Promenades Populle and Place Louis Flandre – before going to the banks of the Loire. It highlighted several emblematic sites of the department: the Benedictine abbey of Charlieu, the Sainte-Eugénie chapel and the Allard garden in Montbrison or the Feurs racecourse, particularly recognized by horse-riding enthusiasts.
In Saint-Chamond, known for its medieval remains, the Flame passed in front of the modern Arena Saint-Etienne Métropole then to the Théâtre de Verdure and to the Place de la Liberté. In Firminy, it had to pass in front of the Le Corbusier housing unit and the Château des Bruneaux.
It was then time to reach the stopover town: Saint-Etienne. The Flame crossed the Cour Fauriel, passed the Museum of Art and Industry then that of the Mine and made a stop at the Cité du Design, highlighting Saint-Etienne’s participation in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. The last relays were held at Geoffroy-Guichard, the venue where the Greens have thrilled and still thrill generations of football fans.
More than 150 Flamebearers throughout the day
The last Flamebearer of the day was on conquered ground this evening. Icon of the golden age of Saint-Etienne, Jean-Michel Larque lit the cauldron in front of the audience who came to cheer him for a moment rich in symbols and emotion. Emblematic midfielder of the Greens from 1966 to 1977, member of the epic in 1976 which led the club to the European Cup final, he was also essential in the French team. Throughout his career, the international played in the 1968 Olympic Games which the Blues finished in the quarter-finals.
Among the 150 or so bearers of the Flame, many athletes such as Mélina Robert-Michon, Olympic vice-champion in discus throwing, French record holder and in the running for a new Olympics in Paris. There was also Matteo RubertiFrench paratriathlon champion, Coraline Juvanonvice-champion of France by equestrian team, Corine Spoonveteran world champion in judo or even Amber Dusautier who shone at the World Transplant Games in swimming.
Alongside them were sports enthusiasts like Aurélie Lefevreunconditional paragliding fan, Max Bouchet-Virette who has worked for a number of sporting events including the Albertville Games and various editions of the football and rugby World Cups, or Yves Laval with a profile that stands out. At 73, Yves has competed in 275 triathlons or duathlons, been crowned French champion three times and continues to practice!
Many of the Flamebearers had particularly inspiring individual stories, regardless of their passion or their age. So on the same day, the Flame passed through the hands d’Isaac Djeroro11 years old and already elected to the municipal youth council of Givors, Mourad Abdellaouiinvested tirelessly to develop research around Prader-Willi syndrome, or even Melanie Volle, the 102-year-old dean of the day whose story arouses admiration. The latter was an activist against Austrian Austrofascism and a French resistance fighter.
Adapted sport in the spotlight
Like every day of the Torch Relay, a collective relay took place. It was the French Adapted Sports Federation (FFSA) which organized it today in Roanne. This Federation aims to promote and facilitate the practice of physical and sporting activities for people with mental or psychological disabilities. Thanks to the support of the FFSA, numerous sporting events have taken place in this area since 1983. Each of the 24 relay runners present represented a discipline including the relay captain, Nicolas Virapina para athlete who was a quadruple gold medalist at the Global Game (a competition bringing together people with mental disabilities) in 2019. Alongside him, there was also Sophie Kirkpracticing dance, swimming and pétanque, Clement Colombyoften distinguished in swimming and cross-country skiing, and Thomas Baymedalist at the French para ski championship.
Tomorrow, it’s time for a stage that promises to be very special. The Olympic Flame will cross Haute-Savoie in a historic day rich in symbols. This will be an opportunity to celebrate the centenary of the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924 but also to celebrate Olympic Day 33 days before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Many champions, including many athletes who make France shine in winter sports, will be there. Looking forward to Sunday!
Photo credit: Paris 2024 / Guillaume Ruchaud / SIPA PRESS
PROGRAM FOR SUNDAY JUNE 23
Find the entire stage program on https://olympics.com/fr/paris-2024/relais-de-la-flamme-olympique/etapes/haute-savoie-chamonix
Celebration site program:
Open to the public from 3:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Free with gauge control
3:30 p.m.: opening to the public
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.: community activities on the sports area
5:45 p.m.-6:50 p.m.: partner events on the sports area
7:20 p.m.-7:30 p.m.: arrival of the last torchbearer
Find all the photo and video content of the day on the Content Library de Paris 2024.
Photo credits are included in the photo metadata
Credit Ours News: France Télévisions – Paris 2024 / Credit CIO
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