The Flame has been lit

Today, in Olympic tradition, the Special Olympics Flame of Hope was lit in Athens, Greece. The flame will now journey to Berlin for the Special Olympics World Games where it will be paraded through the streets before lighting the Cauldron at the Opening Ceremony on 17 June 2023.

The Flame of Hope is an important symbol of the Games and stands for peace, unity and hope.

Before the official start of any Olympic Games, the flame is traditionally lit in a solemn ceremony in Athens, and this is also the case for Special Olympics World Games. In keeping with this tradition, the flame was lit today by a Greek High Priestess out of a concave mirror using the sun’s rays.

The Flame of Hope will soon arrive in Germany for the Final Leg Torch Run which will see law enforcement officers take the flame through towns from Brandenburg to Berlin from 14 to 17 June. 

Aussie Runners

Australia will be well represented in the Final Leg with six Aussie Final Leg participants known as “Guardians of the Flame”:

• Mick Klose, South Australia
• Jason Nilan, New South Wales
• Chris Newman, Western Australia
• Mike Tolson, South Australia
• Matt Volk, Victoria
• Stacey Ward, Queensland

Scott Whyte from New South Wales will also be in Berlin as Chairman of the Law Enforcement Torch Run International Executive Council.

According to Matt Volk, the ancient torch-lighting ceremony andTorch Run through the streets of Athens was an emotional day.