FRANCE: Sports stars flock to the grand opening of the world's largest Adidas store in Paris

STORY : The Champs Elysees hadn't seen such a fuss since "Les Blues" made it to the World Cup semi-finals this past summer. Strobe lights, limos and outrageous sound effects drew passers-by who then waited patiently as their favourite athletes walked up a red and white stripped carpet to the grand opening of the world's largest Adidas store. Zinedine Zidane, the footballer recently voted by the French as their favourite citizen, officially opened the store. Also present were Mehdi Baala, Yohan Diniz, Laura Flessel and Djibril Cisse. Belgian tennis ace Justine Henin-Hardenne, recuperating from a knee injury, enjoyed the party which drew hundreds of French showbiz and sports vips. Talking about her season she told Reuters, "it was more than I could dream of for sure. I wish I could have won more than once, but I got the one that is the most important for me." New Zealand's Jonah Lomu was happy to pose for photos but withdrew when it came to answering questions about his future saying "I don't know, there's nothing to say in that area."

ITN Source | October 25, 2006

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