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Olympic torch for Rio games lit at ancient Greek site | Olympic torch for Rio games lit at ancient Greek site |
(35 minutes later) | |
The flame for the Olympic Games in Brazil has been lit in southern Greece. | 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. | An actor performing the role of high priestess lit the torch by using the sun's rays. |
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. | 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. |
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. | 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. |
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. | 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. |
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. | 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. |
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. | 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. |
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. | |
"[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. | |
Brazil President Dilma Rousseff was forced to cancel her trip to ancient Olympia because of the impeachment threat she faces. | |
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. | |
"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. | |
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. | |
The flame is due to arrive in Brazil on 3 May for a 100-day relay across the country, travelling through 500 cities and villages in every Brazilian state. | The flame is due to arrive in Brazil on 3 May for a 100-day relay across the country, travelling through 500 cities and villages in every Brazilian state. |
It will be carried by about 12,000 torch bearers. | It will be carried by about 12,000 torch bearers. |