Flame for 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics lit in ancient Olympia

Athens  - The Vancouver 2010 Olympic torch was lit by sun rays in ancient Olympia on Thursday, marking the start of its relay. It will end February 12 with the opening of the Winter Games.

Using a concave mirror to reflect the sun's rays, a high priestess, played by Greek actress Maria Nafpliotou, lit the torch in front of the Temple of Hera.

The lighting of the Olympic flame kicks off a seven-day relay across Greece. Vassilis Dimitriadis, a Greek giant-slalom athlete, will be the first torchbearer.

The flame will be handed over to Vancouver Olympic officials on October 29 at the Kalimarmaro Stadium in Athens. (dpa)