SM marks 100-day countdown to Paris Olympics 2024 with symbolic torch relay, photo exhibit

MANILA, Philippines — All roads lead to Paris as the 100-day countdown to the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games begins. In the Philippines, a ceremonial lighting and torch relay was held at the SM Mall of Asia Globe between Greek Ambassador Ioannis Pediotis and French Ambassador Marie Fontanel. 

Both Ambassadors also graced the opening of the photo exhibition "Legacy in Motion: A Visual Tribute to Olympic and Paralympic Athletes," at S Maison presented by Agence France-Presse (AFP), Alliance Française de Manille (AFM), the Embassy of France to the Philippines and SM Supermalls.

The ceremony coincides with the lighting of the Olympic Flame in the sanctuary of Olympia in Greece, where the ancient Games were first held. The Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held in the French capital from July 26 to August 11 and August 28 to September 8 respectively.

Leading the launch of the Agence France-Presse (AFP) photo exhibition, ‘Legacy in Motion: A Visual Tribute to Olympic and Paralympic Athletes,’ at S Maison were: French Ambassador Marie Fontanel (6th from right), Greek Ambassador Ioannis Pediotis (5th from left), SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan (4th from left), Philippine Sports Commission President Richard Bachmann (back, left), Philippine Olympic Committee Deputy Secretary General Karen Caballero (2nd from left), Philippine Paralympic Committee President Michael Barredo (left), and

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Through a carefully curated collection of images from leading global news agency AFP, ‘Legacy in Motion’ is a poignant tribute to the athletes and sports that have defined the Olympic movement.

The exhibit celebrates the spirit of athleticism, perseverance and camaraderie that transcends borders and generations. More than just a showcase of athletic prowess—it is a powerful tribute to the human spirit, a story of dedication, sacrifice and unwavering determination. 

Hidilyn Diaz, the Philippines' first Olympic gold medalist, beside the iconic photograph capturing her triumphant moment by Agence France-Presse (AFP’s) Vincenzo Pinto.

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Among those featured are the country’s first Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and Filipino athletes Margielyn Didal, Eumir Marcial, Carlos Yulo and Nesthy Petecio, who participated in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Michael Christian Martinez, who began his ice-skating career at SM Skating to become a two-time Winter Olympian. 

French Ambassador Marie Fontanel, Greek Ambassador Ioannis Pediotis and Philippine Sports Commission President Richard Bachmann

Photo Release

The event is also supported by Decathlon, Sula Spirits and Shake Shack, and is ongoing at S Maison until April 27. It will then tour to The Podium from May 20 to 26 and SM Aura from June 23 to 30.

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