Isabelle De Boves 

Isabelle De Boves will carry the Olympic Torch. This is her story:

Isabelle, an aircraft pilot, crossed paths with young people from one of the most deprived shanty towns in the Mexican city of Oaxaca in 2011, located at the foot of the municipal tip. They were driven by the desire to create a major project, aspiring to create a “banda de musica” brass band. Isabelle is a musician herself as well as a member of the Air France choir, a corporate partner of the Paris 2024 Games, and she spontaneously offered her support to these young people, deciding to help them realise their dream.

For many years, she collected and transported musical instruments from France for a growing number of children. Finally, she helped them set up a music school in the heart of the shanty town. To raise funds to support this initiative, she founded the association “La Banda Musica” in France. This association now offers more than 200 pupils the opportunity to benefit from musical education. She also helps to create jobs in the community and works to prevent delinquency by offering young people a constructive alternative away from the streets.

For her exemplary commitment, Isabelle was made a Knight of the French National Order of Merit. It is continuing its work by expanding the music school, granting higher education scholarships to young people in the neighbourhood, and since 2023, sending musical instruments to music schools in Cuba. Funding comes from the organisation of charity concerts and contributions from various partners, including the Air France Foundation.