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Tahiti, June 13, 2024 – This Thursday, To’ata Square became the theatre of Olympism, welcoming the long-awaited Olympic flame on the final stage of Fenua. A moving ceremony of the flame, led by Michel Bourez, accompanied by the next generation of Polynesian surfers: a ceremony of considerable symbolism.
Saying it is one thing, doing it is another. A few months ago, welcoming the Olympic flame in the land of Mahauchi was only a fantasy. It was a privilege reserved for sports legends, unapproachable and much admired icons on the other side of the television, on the other side of the world. However, this Thursday, June 13, our ‘aito was truly the star of the games. The Olympic torch relay, broadcast live across France, touched more than one parent: “My daughter is one of the torchbearers and I would never have believed in my lifetime that this could happen,” An emotional father tries to take a photo of his little daughter, who is clearly passionate about sports. A dream night where everyone will be able to capture a little magic: “I’m so happy: I got a photo with Kauli Vaast! He’s my favorite surfer” exclaimed a little boy from Sanmapu High School.
But the surprise of the evening was the choice of the last torchbearer, Michel Bourez, a pioneer of Polynesian surfing for the last 15 years, who had just retired from his professional career, accompanied by Liam Sham Koua and Takihei Ellacott, young local hopefuls who surf. A symbol, a promise. A formal transfer of power in the purest spirit of Olympism: Always faster, always higher, always stronger! The emotion was made all the more rich by the presence of so many athletes, each of whom participated in their own field in the great and long history of Polynesian sport. Conquered, the population did not hesitate to take out their mobile phones and flashlights. A rare exchange; a chill.
“Exciting! That’s great”, Seconds after leaving the stage, Michel Bourez spoke his mind. “It’s beautiful! You see, sports are important to people. Everyone is inspired by the sport and wants only the best for our local athletes. Today we have the first Olympic Games and I really hope it won’t be the last.” And the one we’re talking about “Spartan” Seems to have been inspired by this general enthusiasm: “For me, tonight does mark the end of my career. Tomorrow, I hope that the page will be turned quickly so that I can start a new one with the young people in Polynesia who I want to help now.”
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