Olympic flame lit in Greece, begins 15-week journey to Rio
0
On Thursday, actors dressed as pagan priestesses and dancers lighted the ceremonial Olympic flame at a ceremony in Ancient Olympia, Greece.
Officials from the International Olympic Committee and the organizing committee for the Rio de Janeiro games attended the ceremony, assuring reporters that despite the political, economic, and environmental crises in Brazil, Rio will be ready to host the first South American Olympics. The first bearer of the Olympic torch, Greek gymnastics champion Eleftherios Petrounias, will start the flame on a six-day trip to Athens, where the torch will pass to Brazilian officials. The torch will reach Brazil on May 3 and tour the country until the 2016 games begin in 15 weeks.