MARSEILLE, France (AP) — Paris Games organizers have promised “fantastic” celebrations as the arrival of a majestic ship carrying the Olympic torch from Greece is expected to draw a huge crowd Wednesday in the southern French city Marseille, where the Old Port has been placed under high security.
Paris 2024 Olympics Organizing Committee President Tony Estanguet expressed his emotion at the torch’s arrival in France.
“The return of the Games to our country will be a fantastic celebration,” he said.
The torch was lit in Greece last month before it was officially handed to France. It left Athens aboard a three-mast ship named Belem, which was first used in 1896, and spent twelve days at sea.
More than a thousand boats will accompany the Belem’s parade around the Bay of Marseille. The ship will then dock on a pontoon that looks like an athletics track in the Old Port.
Sanyuesan: Folk art feasts across China
Xi to Attend SCO Summit via Video Link
Xi Stresses Breaking New Ground for War Preparedness in PLA Eastern Theater Command Inspection
NetEase Inc renews game partnership with Blizzard
NetEase Inc renews game partnership with Blizzard
Ruling sparks debate on AI technology
Floriade Expo 2022 opens in Almere, the Netherlands
Huitengxile Grassland appeared green and lush with wind turbines towering high
Across China: Coconut carvings shape villagers' prosperous lives