From the Acropolis, the most emblematic monument of Greece, the Olympic Flame sends its timeless messages of peace and truce to the entire planet. The altar was lit by the Olympian Periklis Iakovakis, having received the Light in the Propylaia from the swimming champion Andreas Vazaios.

Periklis Iakovakis talked about this unique moment “It is a unique moment. The beauty of the Acropolis is incredible and the combination of the presence of the Olympic Flame and the privilege of lighting the altar is unique. I am very happy and would like to thank those who chose me. I wish the French every success in organizing the Olympic Games and the Greek athletes, those who have qualified and those who are fighting for their qualification, every success. The importance of the Olympic Games and their message are timely because we all see that there is tension and war in our neighborhood and I hope, even if it is not realistic, that something of the greatness of the Olympic Games will reach there too, that maybe a solution will be found and all this will stop.”

The torch relay to the Acropolis was attended by the choreographer of the Olympic flame ceremonies, Artemis Ignatiou, and six-time Olympian Agi Kasoumi.

The fourth day of the Olympic Torch Relay began on Santorini, where the flame was transported by an air force plane, the ceremony took place in Fira and the Olympic light passed through the picturesque streets of the island.

This was followed by Naxos, where the altar in the harbor was lit by Deputy Sports Minister Yannis Vroutsis, while Olympic champion Olga Vasdeki was among the torchbearers. Then it was on to Paros, where the altar was lit in Parikia by canoe and kayak champion Christos Tsakmakis in front of a large number of locals, who gave the flame a great reception.

It was also an excellent idea that the children of Paros from the clubs AO Paros, NO Paros, AMES Nireas, Marpisaikos and others while waiting for the arrival of the Olympic flame practiced their favorite sports, such as sailing, beach soccer, beach handball, basketball, table tennis, horse riding and classic sports, which provided a perfect backdrop for the arrival of the Olympic symbol. Congratulations to the parents and clubs AO Paros, NO Paros, AMES Nireas and the other clubs of the island for their example!

The President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Spyros Capralos, who accompanied the Olympic flame, addressed the people of Paros and said: “Thank you for the great reception, Paros has the most people of all the places we have visited so far. This gives us great joy, just like the children we have seen playing sports in the streets waiting for the flame to take part in this celebration, which is back on the island after 20 years and 2004. Young and old, you should be proud because the Olympic Games originated in this country, 2800 years ago, and it is the biggest sporting and social event that unites the 206 countries in a peaceful gathering.”