France throws final party for Olympic Games with spectacular sporting parade, concert
The curtains came down on a summer of top sporting events in Paris on Saturday with a grand parade of French athletes and a concert featuring artists from the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. The party's agenda included President Emmanuel Macron decorating many medal-winners with the country's top civilian awards followed by a multi-artist concert on a stage built around the Arc de Triomphe.
France bid a final and reluctant farewell to the Paris Olympics on Saturday with a parade on the Champs-Elysees followed by a concert featuring artists from the opening and closing ceremonies.
The final event of an acclaimed summer of sport saw tens of thousands of fans gather on the French capital's most famous avenue to applaud and cheer the nation's new sporting heroes.
Around 70,000 people gathered for the parade featuring athletes, volunteers and public sector workers, which was followed by a multi-artist concert on a spectacular stage around the Arc de Triomphe.
"Saying thanks, not just to the athletes but to everyone who made these games magic, I think it's fabulous," said France's most-decorated track athlete, Marie-Jose Perec, who lit the cauldron at the start of the Games on July 26.
"Thank you, thank you, it's been incredible!" Riner shouted to the cheering crowd.
(AFP)
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