London 2012 Olympic Chess Challenge

   The Olympic games began in Olympia, in the SW corner of Greece, more than 2,700 years ago. They were held in the honour of Zeus ~ the King of the Greek Gods. The first of these ancient games (there were 293 Olympiads in all), were thought to have been held in 776BC and they are the inspiration of the modern day Olympic Games which began back in 1896. Now, just as they were then, the games are held every four years.

The Olympic flame is still, today, for the modern games, ignited at the Temple of Hera (Zeus' wife) ~ ceremonially lit by the sun's rays, at this ancient and sacred site of Olympia; the flame then being carried to the host nation where it will burn for the duration of the games.

We arrive now at London 2012 and we in Britain are privileged to be hosting this years games which officially begin tonight at 9pm BST with the opening ceremony.

This is the moment the flame was lit for London 2012 in Olympia, prior to its long journey to (and around) the British Isles before arriving in London for tonight's beginning.

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 it's journey across Britain 

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and arriving in London  

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 and carried by Gloriana up the Thames to Tower Bridge  for the opening ceremony

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You are invited to join in this friendly tournament, the London 2012 Olympic Chess Challenge, to mark and celebrate the coming of the games to Britain

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And if you didn't see it live on the night inside Buckingham Palace. . . here it is again! Her Majesty and her licensed-to-kill escort ~ Bond. . . Jamesh Bond  

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You can, if you wish, see the whole thing (and more) again here, along with egular news and updates:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/2012/

Finally, if you want an insight into the doing, you can look here:

http://www.itv.com/news/2012-07-28/behind-the-scenes-at-the-london-2012-opening-ceremony/

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~ m8ed & Luznoche