London receives Olympic Flame ...

The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) has received the Olympic flame, following the conclusion of its 3,000km eight-day relay around Greece. 

The flame was handed over to the London 2012 delegation, headed by President of the British Olympic Association and LOCOG Board Member HRH the Princess Royal, during a ceremony at the Panathenaic Stadium.

 

The ceremony, which was watched by thousands of people, saw five torchbearers carry the flame around the stadium before lighting a ceremonial cauldron. Local children also sang the Olympic anthem, while five young representatives from the UK were each given an olive branch by young people from Greece.

 

LOCOG chairman Sebastian Coe, who was also at the ceremony, said: “Like the Olympic Games, the Flame belongs to the world, and the arrival of the Flame in the host nation is a clarion call to the athletes and young people in more than 200 nations and territories preparing to gather for theLondon 2012 Games.

 

“The Olympic Flame will visit every nation and region, shining a light on the people, places, communities and cultures of the United Kingdom. We have found the very best in our Torchbearers, who like Olympic athletes, will inspire a generation.”

           

The Olympic Flame will arrive in the UK on 18 May, ready for the start of the London 2012 Torch Relay the following day. Beginning in Land’s End, Cornwall, the flame will be carried 8,000 miles across the UK by 8,000 Torchbearers, coming within 10 miles of 95% of the population. It will then reach the Olympic Stadium in London on 27 July, ready for the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Games.

Find out more about the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Presenting Partners.