The flame for the Olympic Games in Brazil has been lit in southern Greece. An actor performing the role of high priestess lit the torch by using the sun’s rays.<\/p>\n
The torch will be taken by various runners on an international relay that will culminate at the opening ceremony in Rio de Janeiro on 5 August.<\/p>\n
The ritual was established 80 years ago for the Berlin Games, based on a ceremony in Ancient Olympia where games were held for more than 1,000 years.<\/p>\n
Actor Katerina Lehou, who lit the torch, offered a mock prayer to Apollo, the old Greek god of light and music, at Thursday’s ceremony.<\/p>\n
Wearing a long pleated robe, she knelt solemnly to the ground and lit the torch within a few seconds by using a concave mirror to catch the sunlight.<\/p>\n
She then delivered the flame to Greek world gymnastics champion Eleftherios Petrounias, the first runner in a torch relay that will conclude at the opening ceremony in Rio’s Maracana Stadium.<\/p>\n
The chief organiser of the Games, Carlos Nuzman, promised to “deliver history”. He said the Olympics would unite Brazil, which is beset by political and economic crises.<\/p>\n
“[The torch lighting] brings a message that can and will unite our dear Brazil, a country that is suffering much more than it deserves in its quest for a brighter future,” he said in his speech.<\/p>\n
Brazil President Dilma Rousseff was forced to cancel her trip to ancient Olympiabecause of the impeachment threat she faces.<\/p>\n
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said the flame was “a timeless reminder that we are all part of the same humanity” despite the difficulties that Brazil is facing.<\/p>\n
“Rio de Janeiro… will provide a spectacle to showcase the best of the human spirit. In just a few weeks the Brazilian people will enthusiastically welcome the world and amaze us with their joy of life and their passion for sport,” he said.<\/p>\n
Before the flame arrives in South America it will begin a six-day relay across Greece, passing through the town of Marathon – which gave its name to the long distance race – as well as a camp for refugees and migrants in Athens, the International Olympic Committee has said.<\/p>\n
The flame is due to arrive in Brazil on 3 May for a relay across the country,travelling through hundreds of cities and villages in every Brazilian state.<\/p>\n
It will be carried by about 12,000 torch bearers.
\n–
\nBy: BBC<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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