Let the Games Begin!

[method77]

The Games finally came home! Today is one of the biggest days in recent Greek history. The olympic flame for our own Olympics was lit today in Olympia. I'm watching the event live right now and I can't tell you how touched I am.

Proud day for our little town too. A little kid that was chosen to take the olive branch and hand it to the first athlete is from my town. He was chosen from 1000s of kids that applied for it!

details here. Find out the dates that the torch goes through your town

[Umma]

That's quite a journey for a flame. How are they going to cope with the extra traffic for the games in Athens (not Georgia.... the REAL one)? or has that vastly improved in recent years?

[method77]

it has improved...

The journey of the flame was chosen by the greek commitee. It's the first time it will go to all continents. Approximately 78000 km and more than 11000 people will carry it! Maybe the rest of the world finally finds out what the 'olympic spirit' means...

[DudeAsInCool]

Cool... Ive been to the games in LA and Oslo. When do they take place in Greece--sounds like a fun time :D

[method77]

mid August. The torch will pass by LA in June 16

[MikeHunt]

Method...you are indeed a lucky man....

[ASUmusicMAN]

Indeed. Are you going to go to the games?? Man, i'd love to go and see the olympics. Hopefully during my life i'll get a chance and see 'em

[method77]

I'll be seeing some events. I have booked tickets for a lot of sports but I couldn't find any for the opening ceremony

[Malicious Intent]

So what events are you running in?

j/k aside, I think that my flatmate is sailing there, although he is never clear whether it is training for an olypian environment or if he is competing. Seems to be a surprisingly difficult question!

[ASUmusicMAN]

LOL...yeah...same thing with my roommate and his training for a marathon...that's been going on for like two years and no marathons competed in as of yet...

[Malicious Intent]

My flatmate has been training and has lottery funding and sponsership and everything. His team (two man boat) regularly beats the british champions. He is very serious.

A friend suggested that this year, instead of getting athletes to carry the flame, old grannies should do it. That way perhaps the construction will be done by the time the flame arrives! lol. j/k.