Olympic Torch Relay Torchbearer Selection Process Launches Today for San Francisco...

Olympic Torch Relay Torchbearer Selection Process Launches Today for San
Francisco Leg
Olympic flame to traverse city April 9 en route to Beijing for 2008 Olympic
Games

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the City and County of San
Francisco launched the torchbearer selection process for the San Francisco leg
of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay. Residents of North America are
invited to submit online applications through the website
http://www.sustainablejourney.org to be considered for one of the torchbearers
who will make history on April 9 when the Olympic Torch travels throughout the
City. San Francisco is the only North American stop on the worldwide 2008
Olympic Torch Relay in advance of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.
"The Olympic Torch represents the journey for excellence," said Mayor
Gavin Newsom. "And we are honored to have the opportunity to host and
contribute to the Beijing Olympic Journey of Harmony. Here in San Francisco,
we are on our own journey for a sustainable future. This is our chance to
showcase how local innovation and excellence -- in fitness, environmental
initiatives and sustainable business practices -- can be examples for the
world."
Individuals interested in becoming a San Francisco Torchbearer must submit
an application and essay of 200 words or less describing their qualifications
for carrying the Olympic Torch. Applicants are asked to provide compelling
answers to questions such as: What sustains you on your personal journey for
excellence? How is your personal journey making your community, your country
and the world more sustainable? What are you doing to contribute to San
Francisco's sustainable journey? Why should you be considered to carry the
Olympic Torch in San Francisco?
An application can be obtained and submitted online at
http://www.sustainablejourney.org. Additionally, applications may be faxed to
415-693-0584 or mailed to: Sustainable Journey, PO Box 410990 #660, San
Francisco, CA 94114.
All applications must be received by February 3. Applications will be
collected by City of San Francisco officials and a list of qualified
candidates will be forwarded to the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games
of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) for final determination. Details, rules and
regulations regarding the selection process may be found online at
http://www.sustainablejourney.org.
The 2008 Olympic Torch Relay, sponsored by Coca Cola, Samsung and Lenovo,
will begin with the lighting of the Flame in Olympia, Greece, on March 24,
2008. After its arrival in Beijing on March 31, the torch will start its
journey on April 1, traveling to 22 international cities, including San
Francisco, before returning to mainland China where it will traverse the
country for more than three months. Having been carried by more than 21,000
runners, the Flame will enter the Olympic Stadium as part of the Opening
Ceremony of the XXIX Olympiad on August 8, 2008.
Contact: Mayor's Office of Communications,
415-554-6131
David Perry & Associates, Inc.,
415-693-0583 / news@davidperry.com

SOURCE City and County of San Francisco

Mayor's Office of Communications of the City and County of San Francisco,
+1-415-554-6131, or David Perry & Associates, Inc., +1-415-693-0583,
news@davidperry.com, for the City and County of San Francisco