The Olympic flame for the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 has been lit today in Ancient Olympia, Greece to mark the start of its journey to China where, in just over 100 days, the Games will begin, IgbereTV reports.
As a symbol of peace, unity, and solidarity, the Olympic flame will convey the values of Olympism to all those that will see it during its travels. The flame will help build anticipation amongst fans who are eager to witness the world’s best winter sports stars in action, whilst also inspiring thousands of athletes who are making their final preparations for these games.
About 2,900 athletes, representing approximately 85 National Olympic Committees, will compete in what will be the most gender-balanced Olympic Winter Games in history, between 4th and 20th February 2022.
Due to the COVID-19 counter-measures, today’s ceremony in Olympia was done under strict conditions, with only a limited delegation present. The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, and several guests were in attendance, showing their solidarity with the Beijing 2022 Games. These included the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou; the members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board; and the IOC’s Beijing 2022 Coordination Commission Chair, Juan Antonio Samaranch.
The Chinese delegation was led by IOC Vice-President, Special Representative and Vice-President of Beijing 2022 and Vice-President of the Chinese Olympic Committee Yu Zaiging. The ceremony was hosted by the Hellenic Olympic Committee President and IOC member Spyros Capralos. The Mayor of Olympia, Georgios Georgiopoulos was also present.
Speaking at the ceremony, IOC President Thomas Bach made it clear that the Olympic Games have always stood above conflict:
“In our fragile world, where division, conflict, and mistrust are on the rise, the Olympic Games always build bridges. They never erect walls.
“The foundation for the ancient Olympic Games to take place in peace was a sacred truce – the ekecheiria. This Olympic Truce ensured a halt to hostilities, allowing athletes and spectators to travel safely to Olympia and home again. The ekecheiria demonstrates that already the ancient Greeks understood that for the Olympic Games to unfold their unifying power, they must stand above any political conflict. In this way, already 3,000 years ago, there was an inseparable link between the Olympic Games and peace
