Raised proudly by Italian triathlete Andrea Spezzano, a native of Viverone near Biella, the Flame of Hope and Inclusion was lit yesterday in the heart of Athens, marking the beginning of the journey towards the Torino 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games. The young athlete carried the Olympic torch through the streets of the Greek capital alongside Greek athlete Aris Makris and police officers Paolo Vialardi and Nikolaos Angelakis.

The event, conducted following a protocol inspired by ancient Greek rituals, was attended by high-ranking institutional representatives, including the President of the Piedmont Region, Alberto Cirio, the Mayor of Turin, Stefano Lo Russo, the President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, David Evangelista, the President of Special Olympics Hellas, Dionyssios Kodellas, and the President of the Torino 2025 Organizing Committee, Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo.

For the ignition of the Flame of Hope, a priestess knelt before a parabolic mirror, waiting for the sun's rays to generate the sacred fire. The solemn torch-lighting ceremony took place in the historic setting of the Zappeion Megaron. From this temple of Olympic spirit, and from the hands of the priestess and Special Olympics Greece athlete Ilianna Simeonidi, the Olympic torch began its long journey through the Torch Run.

The Flame passed through some of Athens' most iconic landmarks – from the Greek Parliament to Syntagma Square, from Hadrian’s Arch to the Italian Embassy – before setting off on its journey to Italy, where it will shine on Torino 2025.