what is olympic torch

The Olympic torch is a symbol of the Olympic Games and is used to carry the Olympic flame from Olympia, Greece, to the host city of the Games. The tradition of the Olympic torch relay was first introduced in 1936 at the Berlin Summer Olympics. The torch relay is a manifestation of the positive values associated with the symbolism of fire and symbolizes the light of spirit, knowledge, and life. It transmits a message of peace and friendship between peoples and announces the start of the Olympic Games. The torch is designed to resist the effects of wind and rain as it carries the Olympic flame and is carried mainly on foot by runners, but can also use other forms of transport. The relay ends at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, where the final runner lights the cauldron with the Olympic flame, marking the official start of the Games.