The flame for the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games being held September 17-28 will be lit in central Athens on September 9 and then taken around the city to arrive at the Olympic Stadium for the Opening Ceremony.
In a ceremony inspired by the myth of Hephaestus one of the 12 Greek gods, officials will light the first torch in the Ancient Agora in Thiseion. The flame will then be taken around the Attica region by 705 torchbearers and will pass through 54 municipalities, past various historic sites such as Marathon and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, and cover a distance of 410 kilometres before arriving at the Olympic Stadium on September 17.
Torchbearers include officials, dignitaries, sponsors and former Greek Olympians and Paralympians.
