Earlier this year, as France prepared to host the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Fanelli was asked to carry the Olympic Torch through the French city of Lyon, near her hometown of Saint-Chamond. On July 26, in the presence of her family, friends and members of Special Olympics France, Fanelli proudly walked through the busy streets of Lyon carrying the Olympic Flame with the Olympic Torch – representing thousands of years of sporting excellence and the extraordinary athletes who have competed in the Games.
Special Olympics Partner, Coca-Cola Companycommitted to Integration Opportunities for All helped secure a quota for 12 Special Olympics France athletes to be part of the Paris 2024 Torch Relay. Fanelli was nominated and selected to carry the torch by her country’s Special Olympics program because of her commitment to improving sport as well as being a role model, advocate and pioneer for the Special Olympics movement in France.
The Torch Relay participants included dignitaries, Paris 2024 supporters, French citizens nominated by their communities, former Olympic and Paralympic athletes, and many other prominent figures from around the world. Fanelli, along with the other torchbearers, are champions in their community as they continue to push for inclusion, community and sporting opportunities, respectively.
“I was so proud of that moment because I was able to be myself while everyone around me supported me as I carried the torch. All my family and friends were there to support and encourage me as well,” Vanelli said.
Fanelli, who has Down syndrome, has traveled around the world to represent Special Olympics France, and last year in Berlin was her fourth year competing in Special Olympics. Special Olympics World GamesPreviously participated in the Special Olympics World Games. Korea 2013, Los Angeles 2015 and Abu Dhabi 2019The French athlete specializes in two sports, competing in both. swimming and basketball.
“Sports bring people together. When I was in Berlin, I was able to connect with friends, but also with other athletes from all over the world in different sports through things like exchanging pins. Sport helps make sure that no one is ever alone.”
Vanilli Kroizat, Special Olympics Athlete
However, she is no stranger to the torch relay. Fanelli witnessed the spectacular event. Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch (LETR), as an athlete and spectator, at all four Special Olympics World Games Opening Ceremonies. Special Olympics, similar to the Olympics and Paralympics, has a World Games Torch Relay that travels from the birthplace of the Olympic Games and home of the Olympic Flame in Olympia, Greece, to the respective host country where it is then paraded through the country in the lead-up to the Games Opening Ceremony.
Fanelli shared what she tells athletes competing in the Olympics, Paralympics and Special Olympics, “Play together, think of the team before self, work toward a collective goal, and have fun and enjoy being part of a team with other athletes.”
After competing in Abu Dhabi, Fanelli shared some of the things that “worked” for her, and she developed greatly on a personal and sporting level, and found a new sense of confidence in her abilities. She was named the best player in the world. Special Olympics in France A sports leader who now helps other athletes from her country to be the best version of themselves on and off the field, Vanelli is referred to as “the amazing little lady” by her coach Mary, who has seen how Vanelli has inspired not only herself with her passion for inclusive sports, but also how she has inspired others to be more inclusive as well.
against Special Olympics World Winter Games Torino 2025The LETR Flame and Torch Relay will start in Athens, Greece at the Zappeion Hall where the flame will be lit and then transported to Rome, Italy. From there, the flame will travel through hundreds of cities on its way to Turin for its birthday celebrations. Games opening ceremony.
