Sochi Olympics flame lighting goes off without a hitch ahead of mammoth torch relay

by  Associated Press Olympic flame for Sochi Games ready for relay Associated Press - 29 September 2013 06:01-04:00

ANCIENT OLYMPIA, Greece (AP) — Using the sun's rays, the Olympic flame lighting for the Winter Games in Sochi went off without a hitch in southern Greece, ahead of its journey across Russia's nine time zones and even a trip to space before the Feb. 7-23 games.

The ceremony was held Sunday with actresses dressed as ancient priestesses at the birthplace of the Greek games held in antiquity, with the flame lighting using a parabolic mirror. NHL star Alex Ovechkin will be the first Russian involved in the torch relay.

Newly elected International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach was present at the ceremony.

News Topics: General news, Sports, 2014 Sochi Olympic Games, Winter Olympic games, Olympic torch relay, Olympic games, Events

People, Places and Companies: Greece, Sochi, Western Europe, Europe, Russia, Eastern Europe

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