Olympic flame lighting ceremony

Olympic Flame Lighting Ceremony (All times are Beijing Time)

16:55 - Greek President Papoulias arrives at the ceremony site

17:00 - The flame lighting ceremony begins with the raising of the Olympic flag, playing of the Olympic hymn, and the raising of the Greek and Chinese national flags and playing of their national anthems. Remarks are delivered by Olympia Mayor Athonisi, IOC President Jacques Rogge, Greek Olympic Committee President Karamanlis, and Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG) President Liu Qi respectively. Greek Olympic Committee President Karamanlis presents a commemorative torch container to BOCOG President Liu Qi.

17:25 - Fire lighting ritual begins in front of the Temple of Hera with the entry of the High Priestess, Maria Nafpliatou, and other priestesses. The High Priestess lights the torch held by the first torchbearer, Greek taekwondo athlete Alexandros, at the entrance of the ancient Olympic Stadium.

17:55 - Alexandros runs from the ancient Olympic Stadium towards the Pierre de Coubertin monument, officially starting the torch relay. How the Olympic Flame is lit - 2008 Olympic Flame Lighting Ceremony