The flame arrived in Athens after touring 32 cities, in 6 days!
The Olympic flame, which was lit by the sun’s rays on April 21st in the city of Olympia, Greece, arrived 6 days after at the Panathenian Stadium, the historic venue of the first Olympic Games of the modern era in 1896.
Dressed as a high priestess, actress Katerina Lehou led the brief handover ceremony that took place in the famous marble Stadium, followed by a celebrations programme. The actress, who lit the flame in Ancient Olympia, used a torch to light a cauldron. The flame, was handed over to Greek Olympic Committee president who, in turn, passed it to Rio Games organizers 100 days before the opening ceremony in Rio, Brazil. The journey of the Olympic flame began!
About the flame: Ancient Greeks considered fire to be a divine element. The flame was lit using sun rays, to ensure its purity, as well as a skaphia, the ancestor of the parabolic mirror used today for lighting the Olympic flame. The Olympic flame represents the positive values associated with fire. The purity of the flame is guaranteed by the way it is lit using the sun’s rays while the choice of the city of Olympia emphasises the link between the Ancient and Modern Olympic Games.
Can’t wait for the Summer Games to begin! Athens says: Good luck Rio!