Our Commitment

 

Our Commitment to the Athletes

Some may look at this photo and chuckle. In reality, it's a symbol of our commitment to the athletes, and how serious we take our role as Guardians of the Flame.

Some may think that the flame lighting in Athens is theatrical, or just for show, but it is not. The two lanterns pictured above were each lit from the flame crated in the parabolic bowl inside the Zappeion Hall.  Yesterday, these two lanterns made the trek from Athens to Berlin aboard an Aegean Airlines Airbus 321, carefully escorted by myself and Greg Dawson. The process for being allowed to bring a flame aboard an aircraft is quite lengthy, and not always easy.

Part of our commitment is ensuring these flames stay lit until our mission of safely transporting the Flame of Hope to the Opening Ceremonies is complete. Only then, can these lanterns be extinguished. Until that time, each lantern must be checked each few hours to ensure they are properly fueled. 

So, if you did not know previously, you can now share with anyone who may ask the level of commitment we have not only to our movement, but to our role as Guardians of the Flame.

Can't wait to see you all in just a few days!