Plans unveiled for PyeongChang Olympic Torch Relay
In a key milestone, the PyeongChang Olympic Organising Committee for the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (POCOG) has unveiled its plans for the Olympic Torch Relay routes and the selection of Olympic torchbearers.
Coinciding with the 100-days-to-go mark on 1 November 2017, and following the lighting of the Olympic flame in Olympia, Greece, one week earlier, the Olympic flame will arrive in the city of Incheon.
The Olympic flame will then spend 101 days making its way around 17 cities and provinces across the Republic of Korea, shining a spotlight on the nation’s culture, technological prowess and landmarks, and enabling people across the host country to share in the excitement of the Olympic Torch Relay.
Cast of thousands
A total of 7,500 torchbearers will take part in the Olympic Torch Relay. To accompany the relay, a fun programme of events and activities will be staged each evening in the cities along the route. The identity of the final torchbearer, who will have the honour of lighting the Olympic cauldron, will only be revealed on 9 February, the day of the Opening Ceremony for PyeongChang.
“The PyeongChang Olympic Torch Relay will inspire a generation and bring people together from different cultures, races, and religions,” promised POCOG President Lee Hee-beom. “As the torchbearers carry the torch for 101 days, we are confident that the flame will truly ‘Let Everyone Shine’ and spark passion and excitement before the Games.”
Yuna Kim filled with pride
Olympic figure skating gold medallist Yuna Kim, who is an Honorary Ambassador for PyeongChang, and who has been a torchbearer at two editions of the Olympic Winter Games, added: “It was a great honour to carry the Olympic Torch for Torino 2006 and Vancouver 2010. It motivated me to work even harder towards winning a gold medal at the Olympic Winter Games. I am also excited and honoured to take part in lighting the flame in Olympia Greece on 24 October. I hope that many people can be a part of the PyeongChang Olympic Torch Relay and create a lifelong memory.”
The PyeongChang Olympic Torch Relay has three Presenting Partners: Worldwide TOP Partner Coca-Cola, which continues its long-standing support for Olympic torch relays, Worldwide TOP Partner Samsung and local Partner KT. For further information, please visit the PyeongChang website.