( Image : High Priestess Maria Nafpliotou lights a flame pot. Photo credit: torchrelay.beijing2008.cn)
The Beijing Olympic Flame began the “Journey of Harmony“, a 130-day, 85,128-mile (approx 137,000 kilometres) journey on March 24 2008, from the site of ancient Olympia in Greece to Beijing (China) where the 2008 summer games will begin in August 8 2008.
In the Torch Lighting Ceremony that began at 11:00 a.m. (GMT +2), in Olympia, Greece, the High Priestess Maria Nafpliotou successfully lit the sacred flame in a traditional ritual, using only the rays of the sun and a parabolic mirror.
- Olympic Torch Relay would be the largest relay in the history of the Olympic Games.
- Olympic Torch Relay will travell to all 5 continents represented by the Olympic Rings.
- Olympic Torch Relay will cover approximately 137,000 kilometres (85,128 miles) over a span of 130 days.