(ATR) The torch relay for the 2016 Olympics nears the end of the Greek portion of its journey to Rio de Janeiro.
Torchbearers will carry the flame across Greece for seven days, ending with a handover ceremony April 27 at the stadium used for the 1896 Olympics. The relay began April 21 in ancient Olympia where the flame was kindled by the rays of the sun in the traditional noontime ceremony.
About 250 torchbearers will take part in the Greek legs of the relay. Around the Rings is told that’s about half the number who customarily run with the torch in Greece. ATR is told Rio 2016 was only able to supply 250 torches.
On Tuesday, the sixth day of the relay, runners will carry the flame in the Athens area, including a stop at the refugee center in Eleonas. The center provides temporary housing for migrants from Syria. IOC President Thomas Bach visited the center in January.
In the ceremony Tuesday Hellenic Olympic Committee President Spyros Capralos will pass the torch to Syrian Ibrahim Al Hussein. The symbolic gesture is part of Olympic Movement effortsto show solidarity with refugees. Plans have been made to provide a place at the Rio Olympics for any refugee athletes who might otherwise qualify to compete at the Games.
The torch relay travels from the refugee center to Athens for a sunset stop at the Acropolis. From there the flame will stay overnight at the Museum of the Acropolis.
The handover ceremony from Greece to Brazil takes place a day later the Panathenaic Stadium in central Athens. The president of the Greek Republic as well as Brazilian Minister of Sport Ricardo Leyser, Olympic Public Authority president Marcelo Pedroso and Rio 2016 president Carlos Nuzman are expected for the event.
The flame will go to Switzerland for a few days before crossing hemispheres to Brazil. First stop is planned at the United Nations in Geneva April 28.
That will be followed by a visit to Lausanne and the Olympic Museum where the flame will remain until a May 2 flight to Brasilia.
Written by Ed Hula.
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