Olympic Torch
London Olympics 2012
The Olympic Torch today is ignited several months before the opening
celebration of the Olympic Games at the site of the ancient Olympics in Olympia, Greece. Eleven women, representing the Vestal Virgins, perform a ceremony in
which the torch is kindled by the light of the Sun, its rays
concentrated by a parabolic mirror.
The Olympic Torch Relay ends on the day of the opening ceremony in
the central stadium of the Games. The final carrier is often kept
unannounced until the last moment, and is usually a sports celebrity of
the host country. The final bearer of the torch runs towards the
cauldron, often placed at the top of a grand staircase, and then uses
the torch to start the flame in the stadium. It is considered a great
honor to be asked to light the Olympic Flame. After being lit, the flame
continues to burn throughout the Olympics, and is extinguished on the
day of the closing ceremony. Original Article >>
Source : www.wikipedia.com
