Olympic Flame receives warm welcome across Greece
Thousands of people have welcomed the Olympic Flame as it makes its way across Greece as part of the Greek leg of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Torch Relay.
Following the traditional Lighting Ceremony in Ancient Olympia, which was held on 29 September, the Olympic Flame made its first stop in Amaliada before visiting Ancient Ilida, Pyrgos, Zaharo, Tripolis, Levidi and Klitoria. The Flame then finished the day in Kalavryta, on the bank of the river Vouraiko.
The following day, the Relay passed through Patras, on the foothills of Mount Panachaikon, where Torchbearers included Greek water polo player Angeliki Gerolymou, who competed in the 2008 Olympic Games, and swimmer Nora Drakou, who represented Greece in the 2012 Olympic Games.
After leaving Patras, the Flame then crossed the Charilaos Trikoupis Bridge – the world's longest multi-span cable-stayed bridge, before passing through Mesologgi, where it was cheered by hundreds of schoolchildren.
After a brief stop in Karpenisi, at the foot of Mount Velouchi, which is one of the best ski resorts in Greece, the Flame’s journey continued on to Lamia, which was named after the mythical daughter of Poseidon, and Volos, where Torchbearers included Greek cross-country skier Dimitris Kyriazis.
A welcome ceremony was then held in Katerini, where the Flame was greeted by thousands of schoolchildren waving Greek and Russian flags.
The following day, huge crowds turned out in Thessaloniki as the Flame made its way to the city’s Olympic Museum, where Torchbearers included Greek biathlete and cross-country skier Thanassis Tsakiris – who represented Greece at the 1988, 1992, 1994, 1998, and 2010 Winter Games.
The Greek leg of the Relay is set to finish on 5 October in Athens, the site of the first modern Olympic Games, where the official Olympic Flame Handover Ceremony will take place.
It will then travel to Moscow for the start of its 123-day journey across Russia, which will end at the Sochi 2014 Opening Ceremony on 7 February.
Find out more about the Sochi 2014 Olympic Torch Relay Presenting Partners