The Olympic torch was handed over to organizers in Paris during a ceremony in Greece last Friday
Alice Messinis
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A French environmental charity has announced it has turned down the chance to take part in the torch relay ahead of the Paris Olympics, citing Coca-Cola's role as a major sponsor.
Clean My Calanques, a Marseille NGO specializing in beach cleaning, has received funding from the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee for its educational activities for school children.
But the company announced on Monday that it will not take part in the torch relay, which begins in Marseille on May 8, thanks in part to financial support from premium Olympic sponsor Coca-Cola.
“We're not going to pay the same people who are going to stoop to stinging the flames,” Eric Akopian, founder of Clean My Calanque, told AFP.
Founded in 2017, the organization's volunteers clean beaches around Marseille and in the nearby Calanques National Park. Its narrow cove and azure waters make it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
Akopian said Coca-Cola is one of the “world's most polluting (companies)” and that some of its products in bottles and cans are among the most frequently found during charity beachcombing operations. said.
In a video message posted on Instagram, he said the organization did not feel “comfortable” with the commercial aspects of the Olympics, but stressed the organization “has nothing against sport or athletes.” .
Akopian pointed out that so-called “goods” related to the Games, such as stickers, keychains, pens and mascots, are being mass-produced.
“They may look cute, but we know they can be found on coastlines,” he told AFP.
French authorities said up to 150,000 people are expected to gather in Marseille for the start of the torch relay, which will pass through mainland France and overseas territories in the Caribbean and Indian Ocean.
The Olympic Games will open on July 26th and run until August 11th, while the Paralympic Games will start on August 28th and run until September 8th.
Paris 2024 organizers are working with Coca-Cola to reduce plastic waste from drinks packaging.
The organization has agreed to install 700 newly designed drinking fountains at Olympic venues, which will mean around 50% of soft drinks will be served without plastic bottles, the organizing committee said. .
