Paris 2024 / Stéphane Spatafora / SIPA PRESS
Yesterday, the Olympic Flame arrived in Marseille aboard the Belem. An intense day closely followed by the media which ended in apotheosis with the lighting of the cauldron in the Old Port by local rapper Jul.
It was the most awaited moment and one of the best kept secrets. Who would light the Olympic Torch Relay Cauldron? Against all odds, Marseille’s Jul received the honors of Paris 2024 for this symbolic gesture. A few seconds before, Florent Manaudou and Nantenin Keïta took turns carrying the flame onto the floating athletics track.
When Jul promotes his label “D’or et de platinum” on stage
During his speech, a few minutes after the lighting of the flame, the Marseille rapper, whose presence and attitude were strongly criticized on social networks, took advantage of the platform to make thepromoting its label and its “Gold and Platinum” brand. Certainly not the place or the time… As a reminder, “D’or et de platinum” has been a sponsor of Olympique de Marseille for over a year and visible on the sleeve of the Marseille club’s jersey.
“I’m very proud, thank you for thinking of me for this. I am very proud for France and for Marseille especially… it’s the zone” explained Jul on stage.
Launched by France Télévisions journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi on the subject, the rapper then recalled that “the Jul logo is on the Olympique de Marseille jersey”.
Jul was then asked about what the Olympics represented. “For me, it’s a lot of hope for the youth, in any case I wish silver, gold and platinum medals for all these athletes”. A product placement not necessarily understood by most people and which has something to call out at such a symbolic moment.
On France 2 alone, the lighting of the cauldron recorded an audience peak of 4.7 million viewers.
During the day of the arrival of the flame, other sponsors of Olympique de Marseille were also clearly visible throughout the day. CMA CGMOM jersey sponsor, is also technical partner of the Paris 2024 Olympic Flame relay.
Another partner of OM, Savings Bankwas also clearly visible during this arrival of the Olympic Flame as Sponsor of the relay and patron of Belem.
✨ M A R S E I L L E ✨
The 14 young scouts selected by each of the @Caisse_Epargne regional leaders for their sense of commitment and the values they carry have just completed a 12-day navigation between Piraeus, Greece, and Marseille aboard the… pic.twitter.com/gI5KARN2IK
— Pacte Utile Caisse d’Epargne (@pacteutile) May 8, 2024
Among the brands visible during this day and sponsor of OM, we can also mention Coca Cola who organized the big Soprano and Alonzo concert.
photo: Hadrien Picard
Why Julie? Tony Estanguet’s response
“I wanted the Flame to be welcomed in Marseille by emblematic personalities who embody what we are going to highlight and celebrate through the Relay” explains the President of Paris 2024 Tony Estanguet, in a press release. “It is first of all the choice of an Olympian as the first bearer of the Flame on French soil, Florent Manaudou, iconic athlete of his generation; the first passage of Relay in France for the Paralympic athlete Nantenin Keita, to symbolize our ambition to bring together the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and JuL, an emblematic figure of Marseille, a popular artist who accumulates records and embodies the spirit of celebration of the Relay. »
On Twitter, Tony Estanguet also went there with his “mercé la zone”.
Hey Mercé the zone!#Marseille #8mai2024
📸Paris 2024 / BOBY
📸Paris 2024/ Frederic Dides / SIPA PRESS pic.twitter.com/tNllkU4TS7— Tony Estanguet – OLY (@TonyEstanguet) May 9, 2024
Read also
Interview: Christelle de Larauze, General Delegate of the Belem Caisse d’Epargne Foundation (Paris 2024 – Olympic Flame)
