Paris 2024 Olympic Flame Sets Sail for France on Historic Ship Journey
The Paris 2024 Olympic flame embarked on a historic journey to France aboard the three-masted ship “Belem” on Saturday, marking the final stretch of preparations for the highly anticipated Olympic Games opening ceremony on July 26.
Departing from the port of Piraeus, the ship will sail for 11 days before arriving in Marseille, a city with deep Greek roots dating back to 600 BC. The flame was received by Paris Games organisers in a ceremony at Athens’ Panathenaic stadium, the birthplace of the first modern Olympics in 1896, following its lighting in ancient Olympia last week.
With an estimated 150,000 spectators expected to attend the ceremony at the Old Port of Marseille, the city will also host the Olympic sailing competitions and kick off a 68-day French torch relay across the country. The relay will culminate in Paris on July 26, where the Olympic cauldron will be lit during the opening ceremony along the Seine river.
Organisers are aiming for a spectacular opening ceremony, featuring 160 boats carrying athletes towards the iconic Eiffel Tower. However, amidst the excitement, security remains a top priority with the Games taking place against the backdrop of conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
The French government has requested assistance from around 45 foreign countries to provide additional military, police, and civilian personnel to ensure the safety of the Paris Olympics. With the world watching, the stage is set for a memorable and secure Olympic Games in Paris.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Paris 2024 Olympics.
