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CCTV reporter Mao Xuzhi, now in Athens, brings us exclusive reports on the upcoming Olympic flame lighting ceremony.
The Olympic Flame for Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will be lit in Ancient Olympia at 12 o´clock at noon on March 24 and will be handed over to the Beijing Organizing Committee at 3 p.m. on March 30 at the Panathenian Stadium in Athens.
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Exclusive interview with HOC President
The torch will arrive in Athens on March 29th and will be handed over to the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games on the 30th.
![Greeks are preparing for Beijing Olympics<img src=/english/special/huinrussia/20070328/images/104986_ivideo.gif border=0>](http://www.cctv.com/english/special/Maoxuzhi/20080328/images/105040_9546_1206692966000.jpg)
Greeks are preparing for Beijing Olympics![](/english/special/huinrussia/20070328/images/104986_ivideo.gif)
In the city of Athens, Greek athletes and coaches are holding routine training sessions, with the immediate aim of putting on their best performances in the Olympics.
![Greeks happy to see Olympic spirit embodied in Beijing<img src=/english/special/huinrussia/20070328/images/104986_ivideo.gif border=0>](http://www.cctv.com/english/special/Maoxuzhi/20080328/images/102369_1206672392281.jpg)
Greeks happy to see Olympic spirit embodied in Beijing![](/english/special/huinrussia/20070328/images/104986_ivideo.gif)
As the Olympic torch for the Beijing Games makes it way through Greece, many Greek citizens say they are happy to see the Olympic spirit embodied in Beijing.
![Torch-lighting in the eyes of CCTV reporter<img src=/english/special/huinrussia/20070328/images/104986_ivideo.gif border=0>](http://www.cctv.com/english/special/Maoxuzhi/20080325/images/102728_1206417409897.jpg)
Torch-lighting in the eyes of CCTV reporter![](/english/special/huinrussia/20070328/images/104986_ivideo.gif)
Greece´s actress Maria Nafpliotou,the head priestess, lit the torch in the Olympic flame lighting ceremony for the Beijing Games at the site of ancient Olympia on Monday.
![Ancient Olympia ready for flame<img src=/english/special/huinrussia/20070328/images/104986_ivideo.gif border=0>](http://www.cctv.com/english/special/Maoxuzhi/20080324/images/102663_1206329199280.jpg)
Ancient Olympia ready for flame![](/english/special/huinrussia/20070328/images/104986_ivideo.gif)
The town of Olympia has become a busy place again with
everybody waiting for the Flame Lighting of Beijing Games.
Now the city is decorated with Chinese style.
![Wang Lee-hom: Lucky enough to realize Olympic dream<img src=/english/special/huinrussia/20070328/images/104986_ivideo.gif border=0>](http://www.cctv.com/english/special/Maoxuzhi/20080324/images/102411_1206327252711.jpg)
Wang Lee-hom: Lucky enough to realize Olympic dream![](/english/special/huinrussia/20070328/images/104986_ivideo.gif)
To become an Olympic torch bearer is a dream for many people.Chinese singer Wang Lee-hom talked about his expectations for the Beijing Olympic Games.
![Weather conditions for torch lighting<img src=/english/special/huinrussia/20070328/images/104986_ivideo.gif border=0>](http://www.cctv.com/english/special/Maoxuzhi/20080322/images/102695_1206186065407.jpg)
Weather conditions for torch lighting![](/english/special/huinrussia/20070328/images/104986_ivideo.gif)
According to the tradition of the flame-collection ritual, the priestesses will have a complete rehearsal before the ceremony, and will prepare a back-up fire in case of bad weather.
![Carrying Olympic torch a big thing<img src=/english/special/huinrussia/20070328/images/104986_ivideo.gif border=0>](http://www.cctv.com/english/special/Maoxuzhi/20080321/images/101700_1206065765470.jpg)
Carrying Olympic torch a big thing![](/english/special/huinrussia/20070328/images/104986_ivideo.gif)
CCTV reporter Mao Xuzhi spoke to the final torch bearer, Olympic triple jump silver medalist Piyi Devetzi who´ll carry the flame to the Panathenian Stadium on March 30th.
![People express best wishes for Beijing Olympics<img src=/english/special/huinrussia/20070328/images/104986_ivideo.gif border=0>](http://www.cctv.com/english/special/Maoxuzhi/20080320/images/103326_1205995984803.jpg)
People express best wishes for Beijing Olympics![](/english/special/huinrussia/20070328/images/104986_ivideo.gif)
CCTV reporter Mao Xuzhi has met people in Athens who conveyed their best wishes for the Beijing Olympics.
![Preparation underway for Olympics flame lighting ceremony<img src=/english/special/huinrussia/20070328/images/104986_ivideo.gif border=0>](http://www.cctv.com/english/special/Maoxuzhi/20080320/images/103301_1205995766244.jpg)
Preparation underway for Olympics flame lighting ceremony![](/english/special/huinrussia/20070328/images/104986_ivideo.gif)
CCTV reporter Mao Xuzhi, in the Greek capital, interviews Artemis Ignatiou, Chief choreographer of the Lighting Ceremony of the Olympic Games.
Voices in Athens
Wang Jingbo, Chinese businesssman -- "This is the first time China will hold the Olympic Games and as a Chinese citizen I am very proud. We have been waiting for this for many years. We are very happy to see the 2008 Olympics held in China."
Tourists in Athens -- "Their expectation for Beijing Olympics was high and they thought preparation work of Beijing Olympics was pretty impressive."