Thierry Rey, an Olympic judo champion who is a special advisor for Paris 2024, and Jean-Claude Leroy, head of the Department Council of Pas-de-Calais, revealed that the city will play a part in the Olympic Torch Relay after signing an agreement.

The Olympic Flame will arrive in Calais "at the end of spring or beginning of summer 2024", according to the Pas-de-Calais Government.

French athletes including kayaker Maxime Beaumont, boccia player Dorian Decarme and swimmers Océane Carnez and Lison Nowaczyk attended the signing ceremony.

"If the Paris 2024 [Organising] Committee is in charge of organising the biggest competition in the world, it is committed to the meaning that must be given to its Games and to ensure that sport is experienced more intensely by our fellow citizens," said Rey.

The Pas-de-Calais Government has pledged to work with clubs and community groups to hold events linked to the hosting of the Olympic Flame.

"This agreement on the passing of the Olympic Flame is part of our particularly ambitious sports policy, both towards top-level clubs and amateur clubs and organisers of sporting events," added department President Jean-Claude Leroy.

"The department will continue to be at [athletes’] side for this major deadline of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

Pas-de-Calais has already signed up to the Paris 2024 "Terre de Jeux" programme, a label for local authorities that wish to be part of the Olympics.

It was also training base for athletes warning up for the London 2012 Olympics, with BMX riders and gymnasts among those using the city’s sporting facilities.