8-6-2023 (PARIS) The flame for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be ignited on April 16 next year, signaling the start of the countdown to the highly anticipated sporting event scheduled from July 26 to August 11 in the French capital. This information was revealed by a source within the Olympic movement on Thursday.
The flame will be kindled at the historic site of ancient Olympia in Greece, the birthplace of the Games. It will remain in Greece for approximately one week before a handover ceremony in Athens, after which it will be transported to France, according to the source who spoke to Reuters.
The lighting of the torch at the ancient Games site is a traditional ceremony. An actress portraying a high priestess performs the symbolic act of igniting the flame using a parabolic mirror. The flame is then passed on to the first torchbearer at the periphery of the ancient Olympic stadium in Olympia. This ritual takes place for both the summer and winter Games.
After a short relay within Greece, the flame is officially handed over to the host city. In the case of Paris 2024, the organisers have planned a unique approach. The flame will be transported on a three-masted ship named the ‘Belem’ to the port city of Marseille, which is set to host the sailing competitions of the Olympics.
Traditionally, the flame is flown by plane to the host city of the Olympic Games, securely housed in a lantern. However, Paris has chosen to take a different route by utilizing maritime transportation.
Marseille, founded by Greek settlers from Phocaea around 600 BC, will serve as the starting point of the French leg of the relay. The flame will travel across the country, reaching its final destination in Paris on July 14.
Sources have revealed that the Paris 2024 organisers intend to display the Olympic flame on the iconic Eiffel Tower, adding a spectacular touch to the event.
