Paris, France – On Sunday, June 4, 2023, the world’s most renowned avenue, the Champs-Élysées, witnessed an extraordinary event as it became the stage for the largest dictation ever organized. Orchestrated by the Comité Champs-Élysées, this monumental gathering welcomed over 1,650 participants, with an impressive 1,397 individuals officially recognized by Guinness World Records for their involvement, thanks to a meticulous verification process.
Transforming the Iconic Avenue:
Under the radiant sun, the iconic Champs-Élysées was transformed into a vast lectern, providing a unique experience for the enthusiastic participants. Divided into three separate dictations, the chosen texts were carefully selected from famous literary works, ensuring an unforgettable and culturally enriching event.
Dictations to Remember:
The day commenced with the “schoolchildren” taking part in the first dictation, where literary journalist Augustin Trapenard read passages from “Les Lettres de mon Moulin, La Mule du Pape” by Alphonse Daudet. This initial dictation set the new record for the world’s largest dictation, captivating the participants and marking a historic achievement.
Renowned Novelist Inspires the Second Dictation:
Following the remarkable start, the program continued with a second dictation conducted by acclaimed novelist Katherine Pancol. The participants eagerly listened and transcribed excerpts from “Fille en colère sur un banc de pierre” by Véronique Ovaldé, showcasing their passion for the written word and embracing the spirit of the event.
A Sporting Touch in the Third Dictation:
The final dictation was taken from Daniel Herrero’s “Dictionnaire amoureux de l’ovalie” and was read by Pierre Rabadan, former international player with the XV de France and current deputy mayor of Paris in charge of sport and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This addition provided a unique blend of literature and sports, further enhancing the diverse nature of the event.
Commitment to Education and Solidarity:
Beyond setting a new world record, the monumental dictation on the Champs-Élysées served as a platform to highlight the vital importance of education and the ongoing fight against illiteracy. Under the patronage of the Ministry of Education and Pap Ndiaye, the event’s impact and reach were amplified, emphasizing the significance of the cause.
Bibliothèques Sans Frontières Benefit:
Not only did this historic dictation make headlines, but it also contributed to the collection of numerous books for the benefit of Bibliothèques Sans Frontières. The initiative aimed to combat illiteracy and bridge educational inequalities by providing access to reading and writing materials, aligning with the core values of the event.
Reliving the Nostalgia of School:
As each participant took their place behind desks, facing the symbolic blackboard, memories of school days were reignited, accompanied by the joy and camaraderie of a fun and friendly atmosphere. Ruth Elkrief, as the master of ceremonies, and Jérôme Libeskind, as the host, skillfully guided the participants through this special day dedicated to writing and reading, inspiring enthusiasm and commitment from all involved.
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Support from the BIC Foundation:
The success of the world’s largest dictation on the Champs-Élysées was further bolstered by the support of the BIC Foundation, the official partner of the event. Their provision of the 4 Couleurs pens ensured that participants were well-equipped to face the challenge and contribute to the record-breaking achievement.
A Day in History:
The world’s biggest dictation on the Champs-Élysées, blessed with perfect weather, concluded as an undeniable triumph, leaving its participants with a sense of pride and the knowledge that they had become part of history. While the event marked a new Guinness World Record, its impact extended beyond that, emphasizing the importance of education and the fight against illiteracy on a global scale.
