Torch Relay in Greece Suspended

(ATR) Corona fears extinguish the Greek leg of the Olympic torch relay.

The eight-day journey was cancelled after the relay encountered an unexpectedly large crowd in the southern Peloponnese city of Sparta. The Hellenic Olympic Committee, in concert with public authorities, has sought to limit crowds as a corona precaution.

The Olympic Flame was lit Thursday in the traditional ceremony on the grounds of the Ancient Olympic site in Olympia. Hundreds of runners across Greece were to have carried the torch for Tokyo 2020 in the next week.

The Hellenic Olympic Committee said the decision was taken in coordination with the health ministry and the International Olympic Committee.

According to a statement from the HOC the delivery of the Olympic Flame to Tokyo 2020 is still planned for March 19 in the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens. No spectators will be permitted.

In a video statement released by the IOC prior to the relay suspension,president Thomas Bach, in Olympia for the lighting ceremony, saluted the efforts to combat the virus.

"What makes us so committed and what makes us so encouraged are the many measures that are being taken by so many governments and authorities around the world to contain the virus now, 19 weeks before the Games, also making good use of this time of 19 weeks," said Bach.

He remained on message, expressing no doubt that the Tokyo Olympics will take place.

"So we are fully committed and I’m really encouraging the athletes to go ahead with their preparation with their qualifications with full steam, and then we will all welcome them to Tokyo with great Olympic Games," he said.

After the March 19 transfer in Athens, the Olympic flame is set to be flown to Japan for the national relay lasting three and a half months. Tokyo 2020 organizers are aiming to keep crowds from forming around the Japanese route of the relay as an anti-virus measure. More than 10,000 runners are supposed to carry the 2020 Olympic torch.

Reported by Brian Pinelli .