(ATR) The flame for the Turin Olympics is on its way to Italy, via Greece, following a ceremony at Ancient Olympia. While a bright sun appeared throughout the ceremony clouds prevented the flame from being kindled as part of the event, so a flame ignited earlier in the week during a rehearsal saved the day.
The ceremony was held in the Pierre de Coubertin Grove near the grounds of Ancient Olympia. Circled with cypress trees, the grove is the site of a memorial to the founder of the modern Games, his heart entombed in an obelisk.
About 500 invited guests were on hand for the ceremony, a much more intimate setting than the flame lightings for the Summer Games, which have drawn upwards of 10,000 people in the stadium from the ancient Games.
The Turin delegation to the ceremony included Piemonte Regional government president Mercedes Bresso, Olympian and IOC member Manuela DeCenta and TOROC President Valentino Castellani.
"We are so happy on this day," Castellani tells Around the Rings.
"This flame means the Games are coming to our city, to our people. We are building a legacy for Torino and I can say I am very satisfied."
The flame will now be carried through Greece during the next 10 days, covering a symbolic 2006 kilometers as it visits the country?s major ski areas.
On December 6 a handover ceremony will be held in Athens where the flame will be presented to Turin for transport to Italy and the start of the Italian relay on December 8.
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