Ancient Olympia, Greece, October 18, 2021: The Olympic flame for the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 was lit today (Monday) in Ancient Olympia, Greece. This marks the start of its journey to China where, in just over 100 days, the Games will begin.
In his speech, IOC President Thomas Bach said: “In our fragile world, where division, conflict and mistrust are on the rise, the Olympic Games always build bridges. They never erect walls.”
Turning to the host city, he added: “Beijing will write history as the first city ever to host both the summer and winter editions of the Olympic Games. The Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 will connect the Chinese people with the world, bringing to life China’s vision to engage 300 million people with sport on snow and ice, changing winter sport forever. The entire world will see this passion when China welcomes the best winter sport athletes.”
The Chinese delegation was led by IOC Vice President, Special Representative and Vice President of Beijing 2022 and Vice President of the Chinese Olympic Committee Yu Zaiqing.
Yu added: “The Olympic flame embodies our unswerving pursuit of excellence. It highlights our resolve to always challenge our limits and surpass ourselves. And it sheds light on our journey ahead, to overcome difficulties with greater solidarity and closer cooperation. Amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease, the Olympic flame has brought us confidence, warmth and hope. It has been a source of strength in our fight to defeat the pandemic.”
After the ceremony, the Olympic flame was transported to the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, where, on Tuesday, October 19, the official handover to the Beijing 2022 Organising Committee will take place before the flame departs for China.
Around 2,900 athletes, representing approximately 85 National Olympic Committees, will compete in what will be the most gender-balanced Olympic Winter Games in history, from February 4-20, 2022.
Source: www.ioc.org