In a symbolic ceremony held at the iconic Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, Greece officially handed over the Olympic flame to the Paris 2024 organizers on Friday. The event marks the beginning of the flame’s journey to France, setting the stage for the upcoming Summer Olympic Games.
The flame, ignited in ancient Olympia—the birthplace of the Olympic Games—was carried into the stadium by Greek athletics Olympian Antigoni Ntrismpioti. She passed the flame to French Olympic figure skating champion Gabriella Papadakis, who has Greek heritage, alongside French Paralympic swimming champion Béatrice Hess and Greek Olympic silver medalist in water polo Ioannis Fountoulis. The high priestess then lit the Panathenaic Stadium’s cauldron, symbolizing the continuity of the Olympic spirit.
Spyros Capralos, President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, presented the torch to Tony Estanguet, the chief of Paris 2024. This act signifies the conclusion of the flame’s journey through Greece and the commencement of its international voyage.
Starting Saturday, the flame will embark on a 12-day journey across the Mediterranean Sea aboard a 19th-century sailing ship, setting sail for Marseille, France’s southern port city. The flame’s arrival on May 8 is expected to draw a crowd of approximately 150,000 spectators at the Old Port of Marseille, where a welcoming ceremony will be held.
The Paris Olympic Games are scheduled to run from July 26 to August 11, bringing together athletes from around the world, including many from across Asia. The Games are anticipated to foster global unity and showcase athletic excellence on an international stage.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
