NEWS | Apr 21, 2008 (Source: )
Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay in Jakarta, April 22 2008
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism (M.o.C.T.) Republic of Indonesia has determined to support the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay to be held in April 21-22 2008 in Jakarta. This event would give reciprocal publication benefit both for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay as well as the ongoing Visit Indonesia Year 2008 promotional campaign and enlighten the international world that Indonesia is a safe, comfortable and attractive destination to visit.
The M.o.C.T. support will be by the following programs:
1. April 21, 2008
Press Gathering and Welcome Dinner
Hosted by:
- Mr. AdhiyaksaDault, Minister of Youth and Sport, Republic of Indonesia
- Mr. Jero Wacik, Minister of Culture & Tourism, Republic of Indonesia
- Ms. Rita Subowo, Chairman of the Indonesia National Sport Committee (KONI)
2. April 22, 2008
Olympic Torch Relay at the Senayan Stadium, Jakarta
Hosted by:
- Mr. Adhiyaksa Dault, Minister of Youth and Sport, Republic of Indonesia
- Mr. Jero Wacik, Minister of Culture & Tourism, Republic of Indonesia
- Ms. Rita Subowo, Chairman of the Indonesia National Sport Committee (KONI)
- Mr. Taufik Hidayat, the Indonesian Badminton Medals Winner in Summer Olympic 2004.
Parallel Supporting Show at the Senayan Stadium
East Plaza:
- Barongsai Dance and Dragon Lion Dance
- Lenggang Nyai (Betawi) Traditional Dance by Jakarta Government
West Plaza:
- Rampak Bedug traditional show by Kopasus (Indonesian Army Special Force)
- Reog Ponorogo traditional show by East Java Government
- Bajidor Kahot (Sundanese Dance) by M.o.C.T
A Glimpse of Olympic Torch Relay history and its modern revival
Fire is a sacred symbol dating back to prehistoric times. In ancient Greece it symbolized the creation of the world, renewal and light. It was also the sacred symbol of Hephaestus, and a gift to the human race from Prometheus, who stole it from Zeus. At the centre of every city-state in ancient Greece there was an altar with an ever-burning fire and in every home the sacred Flame burned, dedicated to Hestia, goddess of the family.
Torch Relay races started in ancient Greece as religious rituals held at night. Soon they turned into a team athletic event, initially among adolescents, and further developed to become one of the most popular ancient sports. The enchanting power of fire was a source of inspiration. Sacred flames lit by the rays of the sun always burned in Olympia, in an altar dedicated to Hestia. Fire was ignited with the help of a concave mirror, which has the ability to concentrate the rays of the sun on a single spot. When the head priestess touched that point with the Torch, the Flame was lit.
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