Flame for Singapore Youth Olympics successfully lit at Ancient Olympia

Flame for inaugural Youth Olympics lit

ANCIENT OLYMPIA, Greece — The Olympic flame for the inaugural Youth Olympics has been successfully lit by the sun’s rays at the birthplace of the ancient Olympics.

Standing in front of the 2,600-year-old Temple of Hera, an actress dressed as an ancient priestess used a concave mirror to focus the sun’s rays on a silver torch, which she handed over to a young runner.

“We…mark a new beginning for the Olympic Movement,” International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge said at the ceremony Friday.

Singapore was chosen to host the first ever Youth Olympics, in which 3,500 athletes aged 14-18 will take part.

The flame will travel to Berlin, Dakar, Mexico City, Auckland and Seoul on its way to Singapore.

The Youth Olympics will be held from Aug. 14-26.