The torch shines a light on peace, nature and sport in Somme!
Set in the heart of the Paris-Brussels-London triangle, the Somme department, with its legendary bay, heritage and cultural flair, is a destination like no other. This stage of the torch relay focused on peace, traversing the World War I memorials. A team relay showcased field hockey. One of the more than 150 torchbearers who carried the Olympic torch was Jérémy Stravius, an Olympic champion swimmer born in the department, who also lit the cauldron in Amiens at the end of the day.
The natural and historic wonders of this gem of northern France
At the crossroads of Europe and history, the Somme department is nestled in a triangle between Paris, Brussels and London. Its historical narrative is intricately linked with those of Europe and the world, especially marked by the impacts of both world wars, which forged lasting bonds with the Commonwealth. Somme draws visitors all year, not just for its historical resonance but also for its bay, a Grand Site of France. This vast area, inhabited by grey seal colonies, is a magnet for tourists.
Somme is also a dynamic department with strong agricultural roots and a vibrant economic scene with businesses across its territory. It also champions widespread sports participation. With Paris 2024 just around the corner, it is organising a flurry of activities, such as travelling sports villages, running events and fan zones.
The Amiens Metropolitan Area has been a hive of activity since Paris was awarded the Olympic and Paralympic Games, mirroring the enthusiasm of the 39 municipalities in the area that have earned the "Terres de Jeux" label. The Torch Relay also shines a light on this dynamic university city, known for its exciting cultural scene and economic strength.
From Villers-Bretonneux to Amiens
The day began with a poignant nod to French history. The first stop was Villers-Bretonneux, where the Olympic torch passed the military cemetery and the Sir John Monash Centre, which pays tribute to ANZAC troops in World War I.
After that, the Olympic torch continued to highlight local heritage, making its way past the 13th-century belfry in Abbeville and through Parc de Samara in La Chaussée-Tirancourt, a sprawling natural park that tells the tale of prehistory and the Gallo-Roman period. It also illuminated the citadel of Doullens, the art déco façades of Albert and the medieval town of Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme.
Next, the Olympic torch made its way to Amiens, dubbed the "Little Venice of the North." The city's reconstruction in the 1950s gave it a new lease on life. The torch highlighted its iconic landmarks, from Notre-Dame Cathedral, the biggest cathedral in the country, to the Jardin des Plantes and the Jules Verne House. The festivities wrapped up at the celebration venue, Place Longueville, where the cauldron was lit.
Field hockey and 150 torchbearers in the limelight
A team relay devoted to field hockey unfolded on the esplanade of Amiens City Hall. Organised by the French Federation, it showcased inclusive disciplines such as wheelchair hockey, street hockey and walking hockey. The relay captain was Annemieke Fokke, an adoptive resident of Amiens and international player who took bronze in Seoul 1988 and competed in Barcelona 1992. Joining her were Séverine Fernandez (wheelchair hockey), Véronique Valentin (the president of the Picardy League), Marc-Antoine Bousemart (a European referee) and Timothée Delavenne, a former member of the French national team.
A total of 152 people each carried the Olympic torch for 200 metres. The first was Adèle Lelong, known for her determination and big heart. Many outstanding athletes and former athletes took part, including Marie Collonville, who competed in combined events at the Athens and Beijing Olympics, and Matthieu Bataille, a former European judo champion who has transitioned to international refereeing and will be officiating at the Paris Games. Also involved were Kamill Bousselham, a two-time breakdancing world champion, and Régis Gutner, a legend at Amiens SC.
The final torchbearer was another famous athlete, the swimmer Jérémy Stravius, hailing from Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. Stravius, a gold medallist in the 4x100m freestyle relay at the London Olympics and a four-time world champion, lit the cauldron in Amiens to an enthusiastic reception. Among the relay runners were passionate volunteers and local club stalwarts. The spectators applauded Joseph Mbongo Mbende (vice-president of the regional para-sports committee), Athos Felemou (US Métro volunteer), Bastien Keller (track and field) and Valentin Loth, a PE teacher and "Generation 2024" ambassador within his school.
Tomorrow, the Olympic torch will continue its journey in Seine-Maritime, where it will travel from Rouen to Le Havre. Known as the birthplace of Impressionism, the department boasts a wealth of natural sites and historical landmarks. Another exciting day fraught with emotions awaits in the saga of the Olympic torch!