Francisco Valdemare

Francisco Valdemare will carry the Olympic Torch. This is his story:

Francisco arrived in France in 1960 with a desire to help others. Even when he lived in a shanty town in Champigny, he devoted his time to helping his neighbours with administrative matters and looking after his mother and his family. After starting his career in the construction industry, Francisco founded his own company and set up a support association called ‘Les Amis du Plateau’, whose mission is to provide support to families in need.

Francisco is renowned for his dedication and has been awarded the rank of Commander of the Order of Merit. His radiant personality is also evident when he organises collections of toys, which are then distributed to hospitals in the Paris region, bringing a bit of joy to sick children. His commitment to others and his desire to make a difference to people's lives are undeniable, inspiring those around him to give and help as much as they can.