Olympic torch
runs are performed for symbolic, historical, celebratory and educational reasons.
The Olympic torch run is performed to mark the commencement of each Olympic Games event. The run begins months prior with a ceremonial Olympic Flame lighting in Olympia, Greece, the designated departure point. The flame is then transported relay-style on a set route through various regions of the world to the Olympic Stadium in the host city, where the Opening Ceremony is timed accordingly with the final torchbearer's entry.
The Olympic Flame -- Fire Symbolism
The Olympic Flame is, in practice and concept, the "reason" for the torch run. From a pragmatic perspective, the Run's goal, quite literally, is to run the Flame to the present Olympic host city from the Greece departure point where it was originally, and still is, lit. The flame commemorates the theft of fire by Prometheus from the Greek god Zeus. Conceptually, the Flame embodies the Run's symbolic objective, representing, in the context of the modern Olympics, the universally positive values that human civilization has always associated with fire.
Across nationalities and ethnicities, fire is historically and inviolably linked to the innately human realization of light, warmth, sustenance, protection, creation and ritual. Indeed, mankind's mastery and use of the fire element for these essential life-giving ends is an integral accomplishment of all humanity. The Torch Run, accordingly, characterized by the cross-continent, collaborative human conduction of the Olympic Flame, is emblematic of this accomplishment. All along its global route, passed from hand to hand by bearers of every color and creed, the Flame not only heralds the upcoming Olympics, but also transmits a resounding testament of unity, compassion, inspiration and potential throughout the world's community.
Olympia, Greece -- The Torch Relay Departure Point
According to legend, Heracles, the son of the Greek god Zeus, initiated the first Olympics.
Every Olympic Torch Relay, regardless of the ultimate host city, begins at Olympia, Greece, to link the ancient and modern games since Olympia was the original home of the ancient Olympics. It is a historical event shrouded in classic Greek mythology and tradition, with notable emphases on fire as emblem of human spirit and wisdom, the integrity of sportsmanship and purity of physical ritual. Olympia's Olympics also signified a binding truce amongst states; all external combats were suspended, and athletes and spectators regardless of citizenship were welcomed in the spirit of peaceful competition.
Indeed, the Relay commencement ceremonies in 21st century Olympia are meticulously loyal to their origins, from their antique costume and choreography aesthetics to their ritual flame-lighting practices.
Global Discovery of the Host Country
Finally, Olympic Torch Runs are intended to depict and promote the culture and heritage of the host city and surrounding regions of the host country. Modern Relays, now widely televised to a global audience, provide a singularly effective opportunity to draw enthusiastic public attention to different parts of the world, particularly lesser-known locales of which the viewing majority would not otherwise be aware. Thus, while every Run begins with the igniting of the Olympic Flame in Olympia, creating the itinerary to each ultimate host destination is rich with choice and captivating possibility.
Typically, Torch Runs are designed in furtherance of a specific, meaningful objective and message befitting the context -- historical, cultural, ideological, geographical -- of the host city and country. The Flame's journey from Olympia to each awaiting Olympic stadium is thus mapped according to a thematic route that relays its own distinctive enlightening narrative -- in simultaneity with the torchbearers' relaying of the Flame itself -- on an unparalleled international stage.
Tags: host city, Olympic Flame, Olympia Greece, departure point, Greek Zeus, Olympic Torch, Olympics also