Torch to be given to Brazil after trek through Greece

As the flame for this year's Games has been lit in Southern Greece. Now that the torch has been lit, it will travel through its modern home -- Greece for the next week, before it is handed over to this year's host of the Summer Games -- Brazil, as it prepares to light the cauldron in Rio de Janeiro on August 5th.

The moment the Olympic flame for Rio 2016 was lit.

The official lighting ceremony was established 80 years ago and is based on a ceremony from Ancient Olympia where the games were held for more than 1,000 years.

Keeping to the tradition, the high priestess lit the flame using the midday sun in the temple of Hera in Olympia.

The ceremony was accompanied by a choreagraphed display. A white pigeon was released to symbolize peace. And then the torch could begin its journey.

Greek world champion gymnast Eleftherios Petrounias was the first torchbearer. Rio 2016 will be the first Olympics to take place in South America.

The second torchbearer Brazilian volleyball double Olympic gold medalist Giovane believes that this is the moment Rio 2016 became a reality.

The torch will be carried through Eleanos refugee camp near Athens by a refugee next week.

A refugee team will also compete at the games. IOC President Thomas Bach believes it sends a strong message.

The Olympic torch will now travel across Greece before it is officially handed over to Brazil next Wednesday. From there it will then travel through 329 Brazilian towns and cities before using some 12,000 torch bearers. The countdown to Rio 2016 is now well and truly on.

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