The Olympic flame for the Summer Games in Paris has been lit at the ancient site of Olympia in Greece. Because the sun did not shine on Tuesday, the torch had to be lit with a fire that had been lit the day before during the dress rehearsal. Traditionally, the Olympic flame is lit using a parabolic mirror.
The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, emphasized that the Olympic Games are a symbol of peace. “In these difficult times in which we live, when wars and conflicts are increasing, people are fed up with all the hatred, aggression and negative news that they face every day,” Bach said.
Symbol of hope
In their hearts, people longed for something that would bring them together and unite them, Bach continued. “The Olympic flame that we are lighting today is the symbol of this hope,” said the head of the umbrella organization.
“Apollon, god of sun and light, you sent your rays and lit the torch for the hospitable city of Paris,” said Greek actress Mary Mina at the ceremony.
Relay race through Greece
In the coming days, the fire will be carried in a relay race through numerous regions of Greece. On April 26th, the flame will be handed over to the organizers of the Paris Games – in the old Olympic Stadium in Athens. The first modern Olympic Games took place in the Panathinaikon Stadium in 1896.
The fire will then set sail from the port of Piraeus on board the French three-master “Belem” to Marseille. This port city is connected to Greece. It was founded in ancient times by Greeks who settled there. The arrival of the fire in France is scheduled for May 8th. The Paris Olympics will take place from July 26th to August 11th.
