Tokyo Olympic flame begins journey in Greece amid virus precautions

·

The flame for the Tokyo Olympics was lit Thursday at the birthplace of the ancient games in a pared-down ceremony due to the coronavirus.

Standing in front of the ruined Temple of Hera in Ancient Olympia, a Greek actress playing the part of a pagan priestess used a concave mirror to focus the sun’s rays on a silver torch, causing fire to spurt forth.

After a seven-day relay through Greece, the flame will be delivered to Tokyo organising officials next week at a ceremony in the rebuilt ancient stadium in Athens where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896.

Hollywood actor Gerard Butler also announced that the coronavirus outbreak will not scare him away as he arrives in Greece to take part in the Olympic Torch Relay. The actor, who portrayed the legendary King Leonidas in ‘300’, will run with the torch from the Byzantine town of Mystras to Sparta.

The ceremonial part of Thursday’s flame-lighting was held with customary mock-archaic splendour: Young men and women dressed in pleated robes, a prayer to Apollo — the ancient Greek god of light — and dancing to flutes and drums under a splendid blue sky as blackbirds sang.

But fears of the coronavirus forced Greek officials to ban members of the public from attending the ceremony and severely curtail the number of invited officials and journalists. Normally, several thousand people from many countries gather on the earthen banks of Olympia’s ancient stadium to watch the ceremony.

Sourced by: Associated Press

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek fire in ‘The Belly of the Beast’ at St Kilda

‘The Vineyard’ in St Kilda (also known as ‘The Belly of the Beast’) has a long and rich ethnic-Australian heritage.

Jenny Souris Foundation Gala raises $100,000 to help young cancer fighter Jack

The Jenny Souris Foundation’s fundraising gala raised funds for four-year-old Jack, who is courageously battling Stage IV Neuroblastoma.

Greek Australian George Moulos attempts record-breaking ‘March Across Greece’

Young Greek Australian entrepreneur George Moulos will embark on a transformative 1,200 km journey across Greece on foot.

proika exhibition explores cultural bonds that unite the Greek Australian community

On November 20, the proika project invites you to the launch their multimedia exhibition, melding fashion, photography and conversations.

Heliades Greek Women’s Network celebrate Melbourne Cup in style

The Greek Women's Network (Heliades) hosted a vibrant celebration of the Melbourne Cup on Sunday, November 3.

You May Also Like

The ‘Brooklidhes’: Dr Giota Tourgeli to give seminar in Melbourne

Giota Tourgeli will give an online lecture - ‘The Brooklidhes: Greek Americans and their communities of origin: Links and transformations'.

Greek theatre legend: Orestis Makris

Orestis Makris was one of the most recognisable theatric performers in the early 20th Century, whose legacy remained throughout the development of Greek theatre.

Greek Community Home For The Aged at Earlwood among top in NSW for best food

The Greek Community Home For The Aged was revealed as number 21 in the best food served in an aged care facility in the country.