Olympic Torch Relay Celebrated in Countdown to Rio 2016

By Georgia Grimond, Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – As Rio celebrated a year until the Games begin in the city, people in Centro were treated to a sneak preview of the Olympic torch yesterday (August 5th) and details of the torch relay were unveiled. Displayed in Largo de Carioca, people were given the chance to “get to know” the flame-bearer ahead of its journey.

Performance artists took to the stage and members of the public were encouraged to take photos and post them on social media using the official hashtag, #TochaRio2016.

In keeping with tradition, the torch will begin its journey in Greece, where it will be lit in Olympia on April 21, 2016. After completing a short tour of the country it will go by plane to Brazil landing on April 27th.

The Rio 2016 Olympics Torch Relay will then begin. Lasting for 95 days, it will start in Brasília, before passing through 83 cities including all 26 state capitals.

On August 5, 2016, the torch will arrive in Rio de Janeiro where it will be used to light the Olympic cauldron in the Maracanã stadium as part of the Opening Ceremony and marking the beginning of the Games.

On its journey the torch is expected to travel over 12,000 miles by road and 10,000 miles by air. Along the way 12,000 torchbearers will carry it for approximately 200 meters each. They will then transfer the flame between them in what is known as the “kiss of the torches”.

Inspired by the sea, mountains, sky and sun of Brazil, the torch’s design features Rio’s famous curves as well as the colors of the country’s flag when it is opened. It was created by Chelles & Hayashi, a São Paulo design studio, that was one of 76 agencies that submitted designs in response to a nationwide tender.

Made from recycled aluminium and resin with a satin finish, the torch weighs between 1kg and 1.5kg and stands at 63.5cm high when closed and 69cm when opened. For more information, visit the torch’s official site.