Olympic torch relay will start in Greece prior to Japan 2020

·

The Tokyo Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Tokyo 2020), unveiled details of the Greek leg of the Olympic Torch Relay, and the Olympic flame-lighting and handover ceremonies, both of which will take place in Greece prior to the Olympic flame’s journey to Japan.

These events will be organised by the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC).

The flame-lighting ceremony will take place in Ancient Olympia, home of the ancient Games in Greece, on 12 March 2020. At the Temple of Hera, a modern High Priestess will ignite the Olympic flame in the traditional way by using the rays of the sun and a parabolic mirror.

The Greek leg of the Torch Relay will run for eight days across Greece from 12 to 19 March 2020, with the torchbearers to include Japanese athletes Mizuki Noguchi, Tadahiro Nomura and Saori Yoshida. The Olympic flame will then make its way to the host country of Japan.

Following the Greek leg of the Torch Relay, a ceremony to mark the handover of the flame from the HOC to Tokyo 2020 representatives will be held at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens on 19 March 2020.

The ceremony will be open to the public. After a cultural performance by Greek dancers and entertainers, the host country of Japan will stage its own cultural performance, under the direction of Exile Hiro.

A torchbearer will enter the Panathenaic Stadium to light a celebration cauldron, and the Olympic flame will subsequently make its way to Japan.

Sourced via olympic.org

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Latest News

Two brothers, one century: The remarkable lives of Paul and Michael Tsolakis

Paul and Michael Tsolakis reflect on a life shaped by migration, war, resilience and the enduring values that carried them to 100 and beyond.

From street finds to collectors’ gold: Con Skordilis and the rise of vintage IKEA

Northcote health worker Con Skordilis, 55, has spent the past decade building a collection of vintage IKEA furniture.

Student literary competition returns to promote Greek language in Australia

A national student literary competition aimed at promoting the Greek language and cultural identity has been announced for 2026.

Dr Adrianos Golemis becomes first Greek selected for ESA astronaut training

Dr Adrianos Golemis has made history as the first Greek to take part in an astronaut training programme at the European Space Agency (ESA).

Marble fragment discovered in wreck of Lord Elgin’s ship ‘Mentor’

The Mentor sank in September 1802 off the port of Avlemonas, in southeastern Kythira, after striking rocks.

You May Also Like

Australia’s Commonwealth Games baton bearer, John Coutis, sentenced for welfare fraud

John Coutis was sentenced to five years jail for welfare fraud today, but was immediately released on parole.

Brain regain: For the first time in 14 years, more people return to Greece than leave

For the first time in over a decade, Greece is witnessing a positive migration balance as more Greeks return home than emigrate.

Oakleigh grandfather’s 40-year lottery dream comes true with $1 million win

An Oakleigh man spotted his lottery numbers printed in the newspaper, revealing a $1 million Weekday Windfall win.