The French leg of the Olympic torch relay for the Paris Games kicked off today from the southern port city of Marseille, a day after it arrived from Greece on a 19th-century ship.
Former footballer Basile Boli took the torch from a majestic cathedral in the city and passed it on to 83-year-old Colette Cataldo. The event captivated the interest of a dozen spectators, among whom was the Archbishop of Marseille Jean-Marc Aveline.
“It really gets the heart racing and it's fantastic. This is the Olympic flame, the symbol of sport and of living together", Boli said after passing the torch. It also marks the start of the 12,000km relay in France.
The Paris Games opening ceremony is on July 26 and will be held on boats on the Seine River - a stark contrast to traditional stadium openings. Organizers hope the event will boost enthusiasm for the Olympics after there were disputes over ticket prices as well as security concerns at the biggest international sports forum. /BGNES
