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-Editorial
The Paralympic torch officially arrived on French soil around noon yesterday, marking the return of the Games to France. After the lighting ceremony in Stoke Mandeville, England—the birthplace of the Paralympic Games—the torch traveled through the Channel Tunnel, kicking off a fortnight of celebrations across France. Sponsored by Coca-Cola, Banque Populaire, and Caisse d’Epargne, the torch is now on a tour of the first 12 host cities along the country’s perimeter. The arrival of the torch has reignited enthusiasm for the Games, with just three days until the Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony.
The torch began its journey in Folkestone, England, and entered the Channel Tunnel, escorted by 24 British torchbearers. Among them was Andrew Small, a Paralympic gold medalist in Tokyo 2020, who captained this undersea relay. The British team handed the torch to their French counterparts halfway through the tunnel. Emmanuelle Assmann, a bronze medalist in para-fencing at Athens 2004, led the French team and conducted a symbolic torch kiss with the British team, underscoring the friendship between the two nations.
Upon emerging from the tunnel in Calais, the flame was divided into 12 torches, each set to journey to different regions of France, spreading the Paralympic spirit nationwide.
As the torch passed through towns and cities across France, it sparked a wave of celebrations. In Calais, Valenciennes, Rouen, Antibes Juan-les-Pins, Montpellier, Lourdes, La-Roche-sur-Yon, Lorient, Saint-Malo, Amnéville, Strasbourg, and Thonon-les-Bains, the torch was greeted with fanfare. Local authorities and the French Paralympic Committee organized activities and para-sport taster sessions to engage the community. The day culminated in the lighting of cauldrons, igniting a jubilant atmosphere in each city.
In Paris, a thirteenth torch participated in ceremonies commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Paris at Place Denfert-Rochereau. The torch was later featured at the Rock en Seine festival, blending music and sport as part of the Cultural Olympiad.
In Antibes-Juan-les-Pins, the French Paralympic Committee showcased 24 young para-athletes in a team relay, highlighting the future stars of French Paralympic sports. The relay was led by Mathilde Troude, a decorated boccia athlete, alongside other promising athletes who later lit the Torch Festival cauldron.
More than 360 torchbearers carried the Paralympic flame across France on the relay’s first day. Iconic para-athletes, including swimmers Béatrice Hess and Raphaël Dutay, and Olympic athletes like Romane Bernies, took part in the relay. In Lourdes, FC Lourdes footballer Johana Vahe concluded the day by lighting the cauldron.
The torch relay continues tomorrow, bringing the magic of the Paralympic Games to 14 new towns and cities, offering more people the chance to experience the excitement and spirit of the Games.
