Beijing - Olympic Torch Tops Mount Everest

'Light the Passion, Share the Dream'

Beijing - May 8, 2008

The Olympic Torch has made it to the top of the world, as a team of mountaineers ascended the peak of Mount Everest with the Olympic Flame.

The Olympic Torch Relay is one of the most important means to spread and promote the Olympic Spirit. The torch and the Olympic Flame are symbols which embody the Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship.

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 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.

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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