Olympic traditions and the energy of youth combined on Tuesday 24 Jul 2018 to give birth to the youth Olympic flame for Buenos Aires 2018 in an emotional ceremony at Athens’ historic Panathenaic Stadium.
The flame’s journey will last two months and cover 14,000 kilometers. During its tour it will spread the Olympic values of friendship, respect, and excellence while sending a message about the transformative power of sport to build a better society.
The ceremony was shorter than usual due to the deaths caused by wildfires outside Athens. The Buenos Aires 2018 Organizing Committee expressed its solidarity with the local authorities.
“Buenos Aires 2018 has started today with the lighting of the flame. With pride we will bring it to the south of the planet and from there we will light up the world with the inspiring message of Olympism and its values”, said the president of the Buenos Aires 2018 Organizing Committee, Gerardo Werthein, in a speech during the ceremony.
The flame was carried for the Buenos Aires 2018 host country by two South American youth cycling champions, Valentina Muñoz and Yoel Vargas. They were accompanied by Argentine cycling legend Walter Perez, a gold medallist at the Olympic Games Beijing 2008.
The youth Olympic flame will arrive in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, July 25, and will be welcomed in an official act in the following days at the Youth Olympic Village.
Source: https://www.buenosaires2018.com
