Olympic Flame lit in Greece
Published 24 March, 2008, 13:55
The Olympic Flame has been lit at the ancient Olympiad site in Greece. In line with tradition it was ignited by sunlight reflected in a mirror. The event was held an hour earlier than scheduled because rain was forecast.
Organisers also arranged a reserve flame in case clouds caused problems.
Athletes also planted trees in the Grove of Zeus at the ancient Olympic stadium.
Russia's four-time Olympic Champion Aleksey Nemov was there.
“I hope this tree will help our country to succeed in the Beijing Games. Also, as the proverb says, ”to plant a tree is one of the things a man must do, as well as building a house and having a son," the gymnast said.
The flame will start its international tour from the Olympic host city Beijing on March 31 and return there on August 8.
It will pass through 20 cities of the world, including St Petersburg in Russia, with more than 21,000 torch bearers taking part.
Chinese authorities say they'll tighten security along the torch's route through restless areas in Tibet.
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