Beijing - Olympic Torch to Ascend Mount Everest

'Light the Passion, Share the Dream'

Beijing - April 26, 2007

The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) has unveiled plans for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay during a grand ceremony held in the China Millennium Monument in Beijing, including an ascent to the top of Mount Everest.

"The torch and the Olympic Flame are symbols which embody the Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship” said IOC President Jacques Rogge. “They inspire us to be the best we can be in all that we do. The magnificent design of the torch for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay will also add a very unique Chinese flavour to the relay, as the 'Clouds of Promise' carry the Beijing Games' message to the world."

The Olympic Torch will be the longest (137,000 kilometers over 130 days) and cover the greatest area with the most number of people torchbearers than any previous Olympic Torch Relay.

"As the prelude to the Beijing Olympic Games, the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay is one of the most important ceremonies and a major means to spread and promote the Olympic Spirit," said BOCOG President Liu Qi. "As one of the grand ceremonies for the Beijing Olympic Games, the Torch Relay of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games has set its theme as the 'Journey of Harmony' and the slogan 'Light the Passion, Share the Dream'."

“It is our hope that the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay will once again spread the Olympic Spirit all over the world and demonstrate Chinese people's passion for the Olympic Movement. The relay will showcase the people, beautiful sceneries, cultural heritage in countries, regions and cities along the relay route. It will enhance mutual understanding and friendship among people of different countries. Moreover, it will further expound the rich implication of our theme slogan "One World One Dream".

The Olympic Flame will be lit in Olympia (Greece) according to tradition on March 25, 2008 and travel across Greece to the Panathinaikos Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, before arriving in Beijing on March 31, 2008.

The international component of the Torch Relay will visit a number of cities including:
Almaty, Istanbul, St.Petersburg, London, Paris, San Francisco, Buenos Aires, Dar Es Salaam, Muscat, Islamabad, Mumbai, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Canberra, Nagano, Seoul, Pyongyang, Ho Chi Minh City, Taipei, Hong Kong and Macao.

One highlight will be the attempt to bring the Olympic Flame to the summit of Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. A lantern will be provided to a special torchbearer team who will attempt to take the Olympic Flame to the summit in May, on a day presenting the best climatic conditions for the ascent.

Design -

The design of the Torch takes advantage of Chinese artistic heritage and technological expertise. The design of the aluminum torch features traditional scrolls and "Lucky Cloud". It stands 72 centimeters high and weighs 985 grams.

The Torch incorporates technological innovations to be able to remain lit in winds of up to 65 kilometers-an-hour and lit in rain of up to 50 millimeters-an-hour. Each individual torch can burn for 15 minutes. Other technological advancements prevent color discoloration and corrosion around the cone from which the Flame burns. The Torch construction is also environmentally-conscious. The materials are recyclable, and the propane fuel meets environmental requirements.

The Torch casting was designed by the Lenovo Creative Centre and the burning system inside the Torch was designed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Group.

Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay Worldwide Partners -

Coca-Cola, Samsung and Lenovo are the Worldwide Partners for Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay, providing financial and service support for the smooth operation of the Torch Relay.

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