OM almost stole the show at the Games. Since the arrival of the Olympic flame in the Old Port of Marseille on Wednesday May 8, blue and white fervor has occupied the field. Colors which are those of the Marseille city but especially of its football team.
From the anthem “Jump” to the declarations of love from ex-footballer Basile Boli and rapper Jul on the podium when lighting the cauldron, the references to the Marseillais favorite team have never stopped. Thursday, May 9, on the torchbearers’ route, she once again made a place for herself.
“Forever the first!” » Basile Boli could not resist the witticism at the foot of the bell tower of Notre-Dame de la Garde. Its number A01, a label stuck on the chest, as for each torchbearer on the torch route, says that the former glory of the Olympique de Marseille was distinguished to launch the operations.
He rejoices in front of the small crowd waiting for him early in the morning in front of the basilica, mainly officials and journalists: “The flame, there are stories around it! »he says before transmitting the torch goes to another local figure, Colette Cataldo, 83, identified as one of OM’s most loyal supporters. Wearing black sneakers, she took small steps away, “to savor”. Years ago she had ” luck “ to hold the European Cup of Champion Clubs, “then the flame is the apotheosis”.
Tour de France style mini-caravan
Below, on the Corniche Kennedy, the route took its pace, slow, very slow. A myriad of police and gendarmerie bikers, a few vehicles, one or two coaches, bicycles and scooters secure the progress. There is even a mini-Tour de France-style caravan, a few vehicles in the colors of the event’s partners.
Coca-Cola distributes cans. “You want freshness? », shouts its host. At the Catalans beach, a small crowd patiently under the sun. Further on, in front of the entrance to the Jardins du Pharo, the public became denser.
The employees of the small chip and ice cream shack inside the park take a break before the rush. “It’s magnificent what’s happening, I was able to follow everything live from the esplanade”says Annie Théron, a sixty-year-old with flamboyant red hair who came to give her nephew a helping hand to cope with the crowds.
On the steps of the Palace, Olympic medalist swimmer Frédérick Bousquet passes his torch to comedian Nicole Ferroni while Benoît Payan poses for a photo, hilariously, with the team of torchbearers who have just finished their journey. Basketball player Tony Parker makes an appearance and there are screams “Tony, Tony! » But he has already slipped away. The caravan has left and the pace accelerates in front of an increasingly large audience.
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