LAUSANNE, October 18, 2021 – With a private ceremony held in Ancient Olympia, Greece, the Olympic Flame has started its journey to Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
Near the Temple of Hera, the 70-minute ceremony near -attended by only a small delegation due to the COVID-19 restrictions- embraced the Olympic values of unity, peace and solidarity, connecting the modern Games to their historic origins.
But a different reality was lived the day before in the Greek capital. Two young activists were arrested by the local police as they attempted to hang a flag of Tibet in the Acropolis, a clear indication that the path to Beijing 2022 will not only be marked by celebration, but also by political protests. The two women, 18 and 22, were later released.
ABOVE CONFLICT In his opening speech, the president of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, made it clear that the Olympic values have always stood above conflict.
In our fragile world, where division, conflict and mistrust are on the rise, the Olympic Games always build bridges. They never erect walls.
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