Cousteau Carries Olympic Torch for the Earth

ATHENS, Greece, August 13, 2004 (ENS) - World renowned marine conservationist Jean-Michel Cousteau carried the Olympic torch for global environmental concerns Thursday at ceremonies leading up to the opening of the 2004 Summer Olympics as they return to the place where the Games began.

"We hope to light a fire inside all the people of the world to care for our natural environment and improve the conditions of our planet," Cousteau said. "At a time when the world is focused on security and peaceful resolution of world conflicts, we must continue to make the world aware that Earth itself is at risk every day because of our actions and our resistance to change."

Cousteau carried the Olympic flame in Kalyvia, Greece, southeast of the Athens airport on Thursday afternoon.

Jean-Michel Cousteau runs through Kalyvia bearing the Olympic Torch. (Photo courtesy Jean-Michel Cousteau)

"Environmental responsibility is the third pillar of the Olympic Charter along with Sport and Culture," Cousteau said. "Only by maintaining a healthy planet and a clean ocean can humankind hope for peace and security around the world."

Joined by members of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the Athens Environmental Foundation (AEF) in the torch run, Cousteau planted an olive tree at the Kalyvia City Hall in honor of the Olympic homecoming and the Global Olive Wreath project of the AEF.

The Global Olive Wreath project is an olive tree planting effort along the Olympic torch route in many cities around the world. Millions of children in 70 countries have already taken part in tree planting events that mark the Olympic ideals.

As a young man, Cousteau dreamed of going to the Olympics to compete in the 1,500 meter track event. Although he did not make the final round of three athletes who went on to represent France, he never gave up his passion for the Games.

In 2002, Cousteau was honored by being named the first Ambassador for the Environment for Olympic Games, and carried the Olympic flag into the stadium during the opening ceremonies in Salt Lake City.

On June 5, Cousteau led a team of 100 divers in a coastal underwater cleanup in a harbor off Athens in honor of World Environment Day. The effort was initiated by AEF in partnership with the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee.

Son of the great marine conservationist and explorer Jacques Cousteau, Jean-Michel heads the Ocean Futures Society based in Santa Barbara, California with an office in Paris. His work with the society documents "the critical connection between humanity and nature," and "celebrates the ocean’s vital importance to the survival of all life on the planet."

along with the Olympic torch, Cousteau carries a sense of responsibility for the welfare of the planet. (Photo courtesy Jean-Michel Cousteau)

"Here in Greece, where mythology tells us Atlas was forced to carry the weight of the heavens and Earth upon his shoulders, we must carry the weight of the Earth’s future on our shoulders."

The Olympic Torch Relay is the transfer of the Olympic flame from Ancient Olympia, Greece, where the Games began to the stadium of the city hosting the opening ceremony of each Olympiad.

According to historic records, the first ancient Olympic Games can be traced back to 776 BC. They were dedicated to the Olympian Gods and were staged on the ancient plains of Olympia.

Last night the flame rested on the ancient sacred site, the Acropolis, the supreme symbol of Greece and Greek civilization. Today, the flame reaches its final destination, the Athens Olympic Stadium for the opening ceremonies of the Games.

Athens 2004 President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki said last night that the journey of the torch is "the history of the Athens Games – a bridge that crosses from the Ancient World to the Modern World – reminding the whole world that Greece is the land where democracy, the philosophy of Olympism, was born."

From today through the closing ceremonies on August 29, the 2004 Olympic Games are expected to attract 10,500 athletes competing in 28 sports, accompanied by 5,500 team officials.

The 2004 Paralympic Games September 17 to 28 are expected to attract approximately 4,000 athletes, accompanied by 2,000 team members.

Follow the Athens Olympic Games online at: http://www.athens2004.com

Visit the Ocean Futures Society at: http://www.oceanfutures.org

The Athens Environmental Foundation is found at: http://www.athensenvironmental.org/