Martial arts legend Jackie Chan to bear torch ahead of Paralympics

AFP and Sophie Hui

Hong Kong-born martial arts legend Jackie Chan Kong-sang was named as one of the torchbearers for the lead-up to the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

The 70-year-old actor, known for his stunts and acrobatic fight scenes, will carry the flame on Wednesday afternoon in the French capital just hours before the opening ceremony, the organizing committee announced.

French actress Elsa Zylberstein and dancer/choreographer Benjamin Millepied will also participate in the torch relay.

The prestigious Champs-Elysees avenue and the historic Place de la Concorde will host the opening ceremony for the Summer Paralympics.

The flame, which was lit on Saturday in Stoke Mandeville, UK - the historic birthplace of the Paralympic Games - arrived in France via the Channel Tunnel on Sunday, carried by wheelchair fencing medalist Emmanuelle Assmann.

"It's all about inscribing sport in the hearts of people with disabilities," said French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera, who welcomed the flame alongside Tony Estanguet, head of the organizing committee.

The flame will be multiplied into 12 Paralympic flames, which will be carried by 1,000 torchbearers in around 50 towns, in 12 simultaneous relays.

These relays will converge in Paris, where the flame will arrive on Wednesday for the opening ceremony.

Meanwhile, a total of 23 Hong Kong athletes are competing in eight sporting events at the Paris Paralympics, including archery, athletics, badminton, boccia, equestrian, swimming, table tennis and wheelchair fencing.

The 69-member Hong Kong, China Delegation had departed for Paris on Saturday.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department will open 18 Olympics Focal Sites at designated sports centers in 18 districts between August 29 and September 8, from 8am to 11pm, for citizens to watch the Paralympic games and cheer on Chinese and Hong Kong athletes. Citizens can also learn more about disability sports by watching a series of "Learning Sports 101" videos on the website of the Olympics Focal Sites and the LCSD Edutainment Channel.

sophie.hui@singtaonewscorp.com