Artists, athletes, firefighters, members of associations. They all share one thing in common – this summer, they will pass the Olympic and Paralympic flame through the streets of Paris. We introduce you to these Parisians with extraordinary gravitas.
Diaby Diako. World champion in freestyle roller skating, Diaby is a prodigy on wheels. When he’s not winning new titles, he shares his passion with the members of the Paris Skate Culture club (18th arrondissement).
Armel Agbobli. Armel is a woman dedicated to supporting other women. Daily, she coordinates the Geneviève de Gaulle-Anthonioz women’s shelter with the La Mie de Pain association. Her goal? To strive to provide women in extreme poverty with shelter and opportunities within French society.
Micheline Abergel. Born in Egypt, Micheline arrived in France in 1957, at the age of 10. Since then, she has created a collective and a festival called Toi Femmes, aimed at raising awareness about the various forms of violence faced by women.
Luca Platania Parisi. A para fencer at the Club de la Tour d’Auvergne (9th arrondissement), Luca is a French champion and ranked 4th internationally. Every day, he endeavors to introduce his sport to as many people as possible.
Minetou Ndiaye. A senior executive, Minetou has been working for several years to create a more open and just society. Eight years ago, she founded Énergie Femmes, an association that encourages women to embrace their ambitions.
Arthur Seurin. Arthur is a business school student like any other… well, almost. In June 2023, he was decorated by the Prefect of Paris for an act of bravery after rescuing his neighbor from her burning apartment.
Claudine Vigouroux. A school activity leader in the 13th arrondissement, Claudine has been dedicated to sports for over forty years. Her favorite discipline? Double Dutch, a skillful mix of hip-hop and jump rope. Once a high-level competitor, she now heads a club with more than 60 members.
Arthur Le Comte du Colombier. Working in the assistance sector, Arthur, who is visually impaired, is also a runner with the JAM club and never shies away from a challenge.
Tharshan Selvarajah. Arriving in France in 2006, Tharshan initially worked in the restaurant industry before focusing on baking in 2010 and opening his own bakery at 44 rue des Pyrénées (20th arrondissement). A successful choice, as he won the Best Baguette in Paris Award in 2023!
Hélène Cart-Grandjean. From the Ministry of Health to the management of the European Hospital Georges-Pompidou and supporting clinical research, Hélène’s career has brought her into close contact with healthcare teams and their commitment to patients. It is for them that this mountain and endurance enthusiast will carry the Olympic flame.
Eva David. A para-athlete, Eva plays wheelchair basketball and tennis. She aims to qualify for the French wheelchair basketball team for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Daily, she advocates for better inclusion of people with disabilities in sports and society.
Vivien Boyi-Banga. Based in the north of the capital, Vivien is an entrepreneur who founded the association Les Talents du 18 (18th arrondissement). This innovative concept promotes sports by highlighting the achievements of athletes from northern Paris to the public and providing them with financial support to continue competing at the international level.
Shanga Itaka. Shanga is an administrator at the sports association Sensations Inclusives (19th arrondissement), which works to improve access to sports and develop healthy sports for people with disabilities.
Matteo Lüthi. “Living with a disability, Matteo is a young high-level athlete who practices para fencing. His wish? To promote sports for everyone, regardless of their condition.
Lucia Teixeira. Arriving in Paris at the age of 17 to escape fascism in Portugal, this building caretaker is an iconic figure on Rue de Charonne. She sponsored a homeless person who later became a caretaker at the RIVP (Régie Immobilière de la Ville de Paris).
Rayane Hechmi. Housed in a foster home, Rayane is a piano prodigy. At 16, he is a student at the conservatory of the 12th arrondissement and gained recognition by winning the final of ‘France’s Got Talent.’ Following this success, he had the chance to perform at the Hôtel de Ville during the Mayor’s New Year greetings in 2023.
Hawa Sangaré. Through her brand, Hawa Sangaré trains vulnerable women in sewing professions. Through her foundation H.A.W.A, she combats clothing waste by repurposing fabrics and unsold items into new products.
- Numeris Média is officially accredited media to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games