The Hellenic Olympic Committee announces that, due to the National Meteorological Service’s forecast for adverse weather conditions and storms on Thursday, December 4, the Olympic Flame Handover Ceremony to the Italian delegation for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games will be shortened in duration in order to ensure safety and minimize risks for all participants involved in the Ceremony.

The artistic program will not take place; only the ceremonial part of the handover will be conducted, with the involvement of a smaller number of contributors.

The Hellenic Olympic Committee expresses its regret that it will not be possible to accommodate the organized attendance of schools, meaning that thousands of students who have arranged to attend will not be able to experience one of the most significant moments of the Olympic Movement. For the HOC, the safety of everyone—and especially of the students—comes first.

Nevertheless, the shortened Ceremony will take place as scheduled, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Panathenaic Stadium and broadcast live on television. The Olympic Torch Relay in the center of Athens will also continue as planned, although traffic regulations and possible delays should be expected.

The Hellenic Olympic Committee is making every possible effort to ensure that the sanctity and prestige of the Ceremony are fully preserved.