Paris 2024 Olympics: the committee wants to recruit 11,000 Olympic torchbearers

Taking part in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games isn't for everyone. But you can still try your luck, by applying to become one of the 11,000 Olympic torchbearers.

It is an immortal symbol of the Olympic Games: the flame marks the beginning and end of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and symbolizes the handover between the organizing countries. In 2024, the flame is to be lit in Greece, as tradition dictates. It then arrives in the port of Marseille by boat, before crossing France to reach Paris... Thanks to 11,000 torchbearers.

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The Olympic Games Organizing Committee (OCOG) has announced the creation of the"Relais des Eclaireurs". Their mission is to carry the Olympic flame around France for two months, before its arrival in Paris for the opening ceremony. 10,000 torchbearers are planned for these Olympic Games, and 1,000 must take part in the Paralympic torch relay, before August 28, 2024. But who are all these people?

To carry the iconic flame, the OCOG has selected four captains: Laure Manaudou (Olympic swimming champion), Florent Manaudou (Olympic swimming champion), Mona Francis (European para triathlon champion) and Dimitri Pavadé (Tokyo Paralympic Games silver medallist in the long jump).

Then, 11,000 people will be chosen for this exceptional relay... And you can be one of them! From June 1, 2023, you can nominate yourself or someone you know via the Paris 2024 website. The OCOG wants to highlight France's diversity, by nominating " women and men, public figures and local figures, as well as unknowns selected from the general public, people with disabilities... " All volunteers over the age of 15 are welcome. Minors, however, must have the agreement of their legal guardians.

However, torchbearers must meet certain conditions. Candidates must represent and support three "energies": the energy of sport (being an athlete, working in a sports club), the energy of territories (highlighting French know-how and activities) and the energy of the collective (working for solidarity, inclusion, a sustainable society...).

The Relais des Éclaireurs sponsors (Coca-Cola and Banque Populaire - Caisse d'Épargne) make their own selection from among the applications for the position of torchbearer. They choose one third of the scouts.

To make the event even more unique and innovative, the OCOG is also planning team torch relays, in which 3,000 torchbearers will take part. To showcase the event, sports federations will also have the opportunity to stage their own relay, by organizing relay routes linked to their discipline.

Do you dream of taking part in this major event? Prepare your application, and visit the Paris 2024 website from June 1!