Athens Olympics revives ancient tradition of olive wreaths
ATHENS, Greece (AP) -- In a symbolic nod to the ancient games, Athens Olympic organizers plan to extend an olive wreath to each medalist.
ỉƯơIt is the first time in the modern Olympics there will be a crowning of Olympic champions,ỉƯơ Ilias Antonellos, vice president of Interflora, the company donating the wreaths, said Thursday.
In Ancient Olympia, competitors were crowned with an olive wreath as a symbol of peace. At the Aug. 13-29 games, each medalist will receive a wreath and floral bouquet during the medals ceremony.
Organizers have ordered 2,563 olive wreaths and bouquets for the Olympics and 2,960 for the Paralympics.
The wreaths for the marathon race medalists are specially chosen from the island of Crete from groves thought to be the oldest olive trees in Greece, organizers said.
The bouquets will be made up of five flowers found in Greece, including roses and chrysanthemums.
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