IOC’s Appeal for Olympic Truce as Flame Ignited in Ancient Olympia for Paris 2024
Ancient Olympia (Greece), April 16 (IANS) – International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials called for world peace during the flame-lighting ceremony for the 2024 Paris Olympics in Ancient Olympia, Greece. The Olympic Flame for the Paris 2024 Games was ignited at the birthplace of the Games in Ancient Olympia, during a traditional lighting ceremony.
Actress Mary Mina, portraying an ancient Greek High Priestess, lit the torch before the Temple of Hera, praying for peace and a successful Games in Paris. “Apollo, God of Sun, light the sacred torch for the hospitable city of Paris,” she said. IOC President Thomas Bach highlighted the importance of the Olympic Games in promoting peaceful competition.
Hellenic Olympic Committee President Spyros Capralos urged nations to implement a truce, emphasizing the message of world peace. Mayor of Ancient Olympia Aristidis Panagiotopoulos stressed the significance of the Olympic Truce, originating from Ancient Greece in 776 BC and renewed by the IOC in 1992.
Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, emphasized the Olympic Flame’s role in promoting peace and solidarity. The High Priestess lit the first Olympic torch, passed it to Greek rowing gold medalist Stefanos Ntouskos, and released a white pigeon symbolizing friendship and peace as the flame’s journey began.
The ceremony aimed to spread the Olympic ideals of friendship and peace worldwide. Choreographer Artemis Ignatiou expressed the wish for the Olympic Truce and the prevalence of peace across the world. The event highlighted the historical tradition of the Olympic Games promoting unity and peace among nations.
