Menu
25/03/2004
Olympic torch lit in Athens as Games countdown begins
The countdown to the Athens 2004 Olympic Games began today with the lighting of the Olympic flame in ancient Olympia, Greece.
The lighting ceremony featured a high priestess who lit the Olympic flame in the Temple of Hera using a parabolic mirror to capture the sun’s rays and ignite an Olympic torch. In ancient Greece, the fire symbolised the creation of the world, as well as renewal and light.
The flame-lighting event was the beginning of the torch relay which head across Greece for seven days, before the relay proper which will take the flame across the globe over the next 78 days.
The Athens 2004 Torch Relay, themed 'Pass the flame, unite the world', will bring the flame to every city that has hosted the Olympic Summer Games, as well as 2008 host city Beijing and other select cities on the international route.
The flame will be carried by more than 11,000 torchbearers throughout the world and Greece.
(gmcg)
The lighting ceremony featured a high priestess who lit the Olympic flame in the Temple of Hera using a parabolic mirror to capture the sun’s rays and ignite an Olympic torch. In ancient Greece, the fire symbolised the creation of the world, as well as renewal and light.
The flame-lighting event was the beginning of the torch relay which head across Greece for seven days, before the relay proper which will take the flame across the globe over the next 78 days.
The Athens 2004 Torch Relay, themed 'Pass the flame, unite the world', will bring the flame to every city that has hosted the Olympic Summer Games, as well as 2008 host city Beijing and other select cities on the international route.
The flame will be carried by more than 11,000 torchbearers throughout the world and Greece.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 May 2011
First Olympic Torch Relay Locations Announced
From Lands End to London via all the nations and regions of the UK, the first locations on the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay route have been announced.
First Olympic Torch Relay Locations Announced
From Lands End to London via all the nations and regions of the UK, the first locations on the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay route have been announced.
08 June 2011
London 2012 Unveils Olympic Torch Design
The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) have unveiled a prototype of the London 2012 Olympic Torch that will be carried by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers on its journey across the UK next summer. The Torch stands 800mm high, and has a gold colour finish that embraces the qualities of the Olympic Flame.
London 2012 Unveils Olympic Torch Design
The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) have unveiled a prototype of the London 2012 Olympic Torch that will be carried by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers on its journey across the UK next summer. The Torch stands 800mm high, and has a gold colour finish that embraces the qualities of the Olympic Flame.
15 August 2012
Scouts To Light Paralympic Flame Across UK
The Paralympic torch relay will be launched by Scouts the lighting of four flames atop the highest peak in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The flames will be lit on August 22 on Scafell Pike, Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Slieve Donard on 22 August.
Scouts To Light Paralympic Flame Across UK
The Paralympic torch relay will be launched by Scouts the lighting of four flames atop the highest peak in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The flames will be lit on August 22 on Scafell Pike, Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Slieve Donard on 22 August.
27 July 2012
Olympic Flame Takes To The Thames For Its Journey To The Opening Ceremony
After 69 days travelling the length and breadth of the UK, today the Flame embarks on its final journey towards the Olympic Stadium for tonight's Opening Ceremony.
Olympic Flame Takes To The Thames For Its Journey To The Opening Ceremony
After 69 days travelling the length and breadth of the UK, today the Flame embarks on its final journey towards the Olympic Stadium for tonight's Opening Ceremony.
20 April 2012
Full Dress Rehearsal For Olympic Torch Relay
A full practice run of the Olympic torch relay is taking place today on an 80-mile stretch from Leicester to Peterborough. Roads along the route will be closed as Games organiser Locog traces the journey the torch will make on 3 July. The rehearsal will test the convoy, crew and communication procedures of the relay, which starts on 19 May.
Full Dress Rehearsal For Olympic Torch Relay
A full practice run of the Olympic torch relay is taking place today on an 80-mile stretch from Leicester to Peterborough. Roads along the route will be closed as Games organiser Locog traces the journey the torch will make on 3 July. The rehearsal will test the convoy, crew and communication procedures of the relay, which starts on 19 May.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
