In a simple, highly symbolic ceremony held on Saturday, April 20, the Athens Olympic Museum was part of the Olympic Torch Relay for the XXXIII Olympic Games “PARIS 2024,” carrying the powerful and timeless symbolism of the Olympic Flame.

Promoting the connection between Sport and Culture, the Olympic Flame Reception Ceremony began with six Kouroi statues in an impressive music and dance performance choreographed by Artemis Ignatiou, the Official Choreographer of the Olympic Flame Lighting and Handover Ceremony. The gold Olympic champion and ambassador of the Olympic Museum of Athens, Nikolas Kaklamanakis, the last torchbearer at the “ATHENS 2004” Olympic Games, carried the Olympic Torch into the ceremony area and lit the altar. This was followed by the playing of the Olympic Hymn, as well as the French National Anthem by the children’s choir of the Greek-French School of Athens “Saint Paul” and the Greek National Anthem by the children’s choir of Doukas Schools.

In their speeches, the CEO of Lamda Development, Odysseas Athanasiou, the Ambassador of France, Laurence Auer, the President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Spyros Kapralos, and the President of the Olympic Torch Relay Committee, Thanasis Vassiliadis, referred to the profound symbolism of the Olympic Flame reception and the Torch Relay.

The ceremony concluded with the Olympic Flame being handed over to OAKA (Athens Olympic Sports Complex) to continue its journey.

Personalities from politics, culture, and sports, Olympians, representatives of local government, as well as the entire leadership of the Hellenic Olympic Committee honored the ceremony with their presence.

The event was hosted by journalist Katerina Panagopoulou.

Sealing the importance of the day, Nikolas Kaklamanakis gave a speech at the Athens Olympic Museum titled “From Dream to Achievement,” sharing knowledge and experiences from his personal journey.