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WorldNet Service Installation Disk - Cybercathlon Games and Interactive Tour of Olympic Museum (1996).ISO
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00833_Field_Torch.txt.txt
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1996-06-03
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Torch races, short distance local relays of religious
significance, were occasionally included in Greek
athletic festivals but were never part of the ancient
Olympic programs. Since the Berlin Games of 1936,
the modern torch relay has symbolically linked the
Games to its ancient past. Today, runners in cross
country relays bring a lighted torch from the valley of
Olympia, Greece to the host nation. Thousands of
runners take part in the journey, representing Greece
and every country that lies between it and the host
nation. Planes and ships transport the torch over
mountains and seas; otherwise the torch is carried by
individuals. The final runner carries the torch into the
stadium during the opening ceremonies, circles the
track, and lights the Olympic flame, which burns until
the end of the Games.
A different torch is created for each Olympics and
incorporates a range of technologies and design
influences. In ancient times, the Greeks used torches
made of wood soaked in resin. Nowadays, more
modern combustibles are used, developed to comply
with various requirements such as safety, ignition, and
the desired color of the flame. As a backup, a second
flame is always kept in a safety lamp. If one of the
torches should go out, it may be rekindled using this
lamp.