Between Greece and London: the Olympic Torch Ceremony

Paphos International School celebrates its 25th anniversary

Very soon, the Olympic flame will be lit in the UK’s capital, London, marking the opening of the 30th Olympic Games. This event could not go unnoticed at a private English school. And this is doubly relevant for a school located in Cyprus, within a Greek cultural environment, bridging the two great nations. The International School of Paphos has another reason to celebrate – its 25th anniversary. For 25 years, the school has been dedicated to ‘cultivating the field of education’ and bringing together children from different nations, cultures and continents. Here is our account of how it all unfolded…

The second term began with the casting for the final show, which set the children’s hearts racing. Anticipation for the celebration grew with each passing day as the long-awaited date – 19 May – drew nearer…

It was a sunny Saturday evening. The clouds that had hidden the sun all day had dispersed, as if not wanting to spoil the festivities for the several hundred guests who had gathered on the school sports ground.

The football pitch gleamed with cleanliness and fresh markings. At the entrance stood an arch decorated with olive branches and display stands featuring the children’s artwork. The Olympic Games had been the main theme in art lessons this term. I was particularly touched by a display featuring excerpts from congratulatory letters written by pupils who had already left the school. Lauren Love, addressing the school’s pupils, ends her letter with the words: ‘I hope you’re all looking after my mum, who works in the school administration.’ Who doesn’t know Linda Love – the school’s head secretary!

The guests take their seats on chairs arranged at the edge of the football pitch. Songs by The Beatles and Freddie Mercury follow one after the other, creating a festive atmosphere. The final chord rings out, followed by silence… The headteacher, Dr Olympiu, opens the evening. Next to take the floor is the executive director, Aristi Andriotis. Ms Andriotis introduced Paola Hadjilambri, who had organised the central part of the Olympic flame-lighting ceremony. The event was also attended by officials: Dr Mavros, a representative of the Ministry of Education, delivered a speech, whilst the Greek Ambassador to Cyprus, Mr Papaioannou, sent his greetings.

The welcoming remarks came to an end, and the ceremony began!

Over the school’s 25-year history, the Olympic flame has been lit six times: groups of young participants carrying the flags of Korea, Spain, the USA, Australia, Greece and China took their places around the stadium. A place of honour has been reserved for Great Britain, where the flame will be lit this year.

To the steady beat of a drum, a procession of Olympic flame bearers emerges from the sports hall onto the field. The senior schoolgirls in their snow-white robes look stunning. Leading the way is Paola Hadjilambri – a genuine priestess who takes part in the flame-lighting ceremony on Mount Olympus in Greece. The spectators watch spellbound as the extraordinary spectacle unfolds on the field.

The finale! The fire flares up, the torch is lit, and is carried in a relay to the makeshift Olympic cauldron on the sports hall balcony. In complete silence, the tongues of flame soar skywards!

The children and their parents are delighted. It was a wonderful celebration, a real spectacle, organised by the pupils and the school management. Music plays as all the participants in the ceremony run out onto the field: dances depicting the main Olympic sports, ‘living’ Olympic rings on the field and a procession with flags: no one here forgets that this international school, following the English national curriculum, brings together children from many different countries.

The ceremony has ended, but the celebrations continue; music is playing, and children and adults alike are offered refreshing drinks, light snacks and sweets – what would a children’s party be without them? But, looking at the happy faces of the adults, you realise that the celebration has been a success for everyone. A great atmosphere is guaranteed for this evening, and one can only be delighted for the owners of the local restaurants and taverns, who have welcomed hundreds of cheerful visitors unwilling to spend this marvellous evening at home…