Marie-Françoise Thul 

Marie-Françoise Thul will carry the Olympic Torch. This is her story:

Marie-Françoise currently holds the position of chairwoman for the “Secours Populaire” charity in Moselle, where she fights with humility, patience and humanity against growing poverty exacerbated by the pandemic. Her commitment was motivated by a desire to give children a chance to dream and to return to an active life after the long months of lockdown.

In 2021, in collaboration with the local authorities, she launched the “Voler, rêver, danser” (fly, dream, dance) holidays for children from the most disadvantaged families in Moselle and this initiative reinforced her belief in the benefits of sport for these young people. In 2022, Thanks to a mobile travelling swimming pool, 70 children were able to obtain their swimming proficiency certificate. Despite the obstacles, such as when this combative woman suffered a stroke in June 2023 or her current recovery from aphasia, her unwavering dedication to others remains a source of inspiration to all those around her.