The Olympic torch embarked on its journey to Paris from the Greek birthplace of games, Ancient Olympia, following the official flame lighting ceremony on Tuesday.
According to amna.gr, the ceremony (hosted by Nikos Aliagas), inspired by antiquity, took place, in the presence of the President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, in Ancient Olympia, according to the traditional ritual.
President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou arrived accompanied by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, Thomas Bach and European Olympic Committees (EOC) President, Spyros Capralos. Following the arrival of officials, leading mezzo-soprano, Joyce DiDonato performed the Olympic Anthem, followed by the raising of the French and Greek flags, and the national anthems.
Greek actress Mary Mina, playing the role of high priestess handed over the Olympic flame to Olympic rowing champion Stefanos Ntouskos, kicking off the 11-day torch relay on Greek land that will remain until April 26; it will subsequently travel for France, with an estimated arrival in Marseille on May 8.
Source: amna.gr
