China News Agency, Paris, February 3 (Reporter Li Yang) The Paris Olympic Organizing Committee announced on February 3 local time that the 2024 Paris Olympic torch relay will start from Marseille, an important port city in southeastern France.
The Paris Olympic Organizing Committee said in a statement issued on the same day that the Paris Olympic torch relay will start from Marseille in April 2024. Marseille "will be honored to be the first city to welcome the Paris Olympic flame on French soil."
Estanguet, chairman of the Paris Olympic Organizing Committee, said that Marseille as the starting point of the Paris Olympic torch relay is a "natural and clear" choice.
He believes that the start of the torch relay, as one of the important Olympic activities, will well reflect the Olympic spirit.
He also revealed the initial concept of the local torch relay in Marseille.
It is reported that the Olympic torch is expected to be transported by sea, across the Mediterranean Sea, from Greece to Marseille.
According to the preliminary plan, after the torch relay of the Paris Olympic Games starts in Marseille, it will start a long journey in France and arrive at the opening site of the Olympic Games on July 26, 2024.
The specific route of the Paris Olympic torch relay is planned to be announced in May 2023.
According to reports, Marseille will also host some Olympic events during the Paris Olympic Games.
The Velodrome Stadium in Marseille is the venue for major local sporting events and can accommodate 67,000 people.
Some Olympic football matches will be held at the stadium.
The Paris Olympics will be held from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
According to the information previously announced by the Paris Olympic Organizing Committee, the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games will be held in the Seine River and the area along the river, no longer limited to the stadium.
Tens of thousands of athletes will enter the stadium via the Seine River by boat.
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