Olympic flame for Nanjing Youth Games lit in Athens

High Priestess Katerina Lehou lights the sacred flame which will burn for the Aug 16-28 Games out of a conclave during a sun-ray lighting ceremony at the Panathinaic Stadium in Athens, on April 30, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua]

Led by Lehou a chorus of young Greek female actresses in the roles of ancient Greek priestesses performed a ritual which included a dance inspired from Caryatides this time.

The girls of Caryes in Sparta were famous for their beauty and their worship dance in honor of Goddess Artemis in antiquity. Statues of Caryatides served as pillars in one of the temples on Acropolis hill.

The young actresses on Wednesday were praised by enthusiastic spectators who joined officials in sending best wishes for successful Games to athletes and organizers.

"The Youth Olympic Games offer a unique opportunity for sport to inspire, educate and empower young people. We saw this happen four years ago at the first edition of the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. We saw it again two years later at the first winter edition in Innsbruck. And we will witness it again this summer in Nanjing," Honorary President of the International Olympic Committee Jacques Roggue said, addressing the event.

Roggue said the games will be attended by athletes from 204 Olympic Committees, "we hope the message of the flame and Torch Relay - in both its virtual and physical forms - will resonate with people in each corner of the globe. We hope it will inspire people to get active and to embrace the Olympic values of friendship, excellence and respect."

Approximately 3,500 young athletes will take part in the Nanjing Games.

"It is certain that the Youth Olympic Games Nanjing 2014, with the images that they will send around the world, with the examples and models that they will create, will send everywhere the message that sport and Olympism create good characters and build solid personalities," Hellenic Olympic Committee President Spyros Capralos said in his welcome speech, before wishing to Chinese friends best of luck.

Capralos added: "Now, it is time for Nanjing to open its welcoming arms to embrace the 3,500 young men and women who will seek to make their own dreams true in Nanjing. Young people from all around the world will display the spirit of 'fair play' and sportsmanship, will give their own fight, will laugh, will cry, will feel and experience unforgettable moments!"

"With passion and expectations of the world's youngsters, the Olympic flame will travel across the vast cyber space, and spread light and joy as well as peace and friendship to the world and to the future. Share the Games, Share our Dreams. May the Olympic Flame shine forever, and light up the young people's journey in the fulfillment of their dreams," Vice-President and Secretary General of the Organizing Committee and Mayor of Nanjing Miao Ruilin said on behalf of the Chinese hosts of the Games.