Milan-Cortina: the flame hostage of the Kastoria rowers
The passing of the torch in Kastoria celebrates the local rowing tradition and the link between sport, culture and the environment in northern Greece
KASTORIA_ The Flame meets water. And before cooling off in the north with the Naoussa waterfalls on Mount Vermio where it will arrive this evening in western Macedonia, the Fiamma rested yesterday on the shores of the prehistoric volcanic lake of Orestiada, in Kastoria. A land of rowers training in its waters, starting with that wren of incredible stamina and searing power that is 30-year-old Zoi Fitsiou, immediately spotted by the national rowing team coach, Italian Gianni Postiglione, who took her to win the bronze medal in the light-weight double in Paris. Under the protective gaze of Petros Gkaidatsis, also a medallist in Paris and the first torchbearer of the Flame at Olympia together with Stefania Belmondo, Zoi enjoys a moment of true celebrity in her Kastoria in front of the very young rowers who greet her with a forest of crossed oars to the brazier set up in the central square.
There are words for everyone, and pronouncing them in Italian with visible emotion is our world swimming champion and three-time Olympic medallist Alessio Boggiato, testimonial of the CONI and the Milan-Cortina Committee for the Greek path of the Fiamma.
The descent from Metsovo was not difficult helped by the improved weather conditions. Leaving Epirus, the route crossed the Pindus mountain range to Grevena, an area known for its stone bridges and above all known as 'the land of mushrooms'. Welcoming visitors at the first roundabout was a mega statue of a mushroom. The journey then headed towards Kozani, a town that combines the old and the new, renowned for its cultural vitality and innovative energy. Once a centre of culture and trade, Kozani remains a place where history, education and creativity come together. The torch then reached Tolemaida, a city that bears witness to the industrial and environmental transformation of Greece. The local community welcomed the Flame with pride, honouring its past as a centre of energy production and its ongoing commitment to renewal and sustainability. The next stop was Argos Orestiko, a city steeped in ancient legends, whose name recalls the heroic lineage of Orestes.
In the late afternoon she arrived in Kastoria embraced by the lake rowers who took her hostage. At least for one night.
