Lighting Ceremony of Olympic Flame will Not Have Spectators

Archive photo – Source: HOC

The Hellenic Olympic Committe (HOC) has announced that the Olympic Flame Lighting Ceremony will go ahead as scheduled in Ancient Olympia, on March 12, but without the presence of spectators.

The committee said it took under consideration the latest decisions of the Greek government for the protection of the public health against the Covid-19 virus.

The lighting ceremony will be attended by only 100 accredited guests from the International Olympic Committee and the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee.

The dress rehearsal on March 11 will be closed to the public and journalists.

Olympia, ancient sanctuary. Photo: © Wikimedia Commons

HOC also urged the mayors of the cities that the Olympic Flame will pass through or stay overnight, to follow the instructions of the Health Ministry and the National Public Health Organization (EODY).

“The Hellenic Olympic Committee will continue to monitor the situation and, depending on developments, will make decisions, always with a view to protecting public health,” the committee said in its announcement.

Anna Korakaki. Photo Source: HOC

Meanwhile, Greek Olympic shooting champion Anna Korakaki will be the first torchbearer to launch the Olympic Torch Relay for the Tokyo 2020 Games on March 12.

It will be the first time in the history of the Olympic Games that a woman will carry the Olympic Flame first, shortly after its launch by the High Priestess in Ancient Olympia.