Hong Kong martial arts icon Jackie Chan has been named as one of the torchbearers for the upcoming Paralympic Games, set to take place in Paris. The 70-year-old actor, celebrated for his thrilling stunts and acrobatic fight scenes, will carry the flame on Wednesday afternoon, just hours before the grand opening ceremony.
The announcement was made by the organizing committee, which highlighted Chan’s involvement alongside French actress Elsa Zylberstein and renowned dancer-choreographer Benjamin Millepied.
In a nod to the Olympic spirit, Wednesday’s torch relay will extend beyond the traditional confines of the Stade de France. The event will feature a vibrant parade along the iconic Champs-Elysées, culminating at the historic Place de la Concorde in central Paris.
The Paralympic flame, lit on Saturday in Stoke Mandeville, UK—recognized as the birthplace of the Paralympic movement—made its journey to France via the Channel Tunnel, carried by wheelchair fencing medalist Emmanuelle Assmann.
French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, present to welcome the flame, emphasized its significance: “It’s all about inscribing sport in the hearts of people with disabilities.” She was joined by Tony Estanguet, head of the organizing committee, in celebrating this momentous occasion.
The flame’s journey will feature 12 simultaneous relays across 50 towns, involving around 1,000 torchbearers. Each relay will culminate in the creation of 12 distinct Paralympic flames, all converging in Paris for the opening ceremony.
As excitement builds for the Paralympics, Chan’s participation reflects a broader commitment to inclusivity and the celebration of athletic excellence among athletes with disabilities. The event promises to be a spectacular showcase of resilience and inspiration, uniting people from all walks of life in the spirit of sport.
