Former gymnast Li Ning lights Olympic cauldron
The Olympic flame's four-month-long Journey of Harmony culminated with a spectacular end to the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games with the lighting of the cauldron just after midnight as former gymnast Li Ning, lifted into mid-air with wires after he received the Olympic flame, "ran" along the 500-meter-long brim of the Bird's Nest to reach the gigantic cauldron, which he ignited using the flame from his torch. [Full story]More>>
Principles of the program
- 1．All work related to the Torchbearer Selection Programme should be closely centred around the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay theme "Journey of Harmony" and the slogan Light the Passion Share the Dream.
- 2．It should be conducted among the general public and highlight wide participation and representation of the local community.
Selection Criteria
- In accordance with the values of Olympism of friendship, excellence and respect and with reference to the practice of past Olympic Games, the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torchbearer Selection Criteria have been formulated as follows:
- The requirements for the relay on the Mainland of China
- The requirements for the relay in Overseas Cities and Taipei, Hong Kong and Macao
Selection Entity
- 1．Provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities;
- 2．The Chinese Olympic Committee
- 3．Torch Relay Presenting Partners and sponsors of the Games of all levels;
- 4．The Olympic Family;
- 5．Overseas Cities and Taipei, Hong Kong and Macao;
- 6．BOCOG.
Selection Methods
- 1. Internal Nomination Process
- This system will require the Selection Entity to complete the Nomination Process internally.
- 2. Public Process
- This is an open process available to all community members who can nominate to become Torchbearers either on the website or at the specially designated offices. A Judging Process will then be set up to determine the final Torchbearers.
| Order | Provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities | Torchbearer count | Torchbearer allocation and ratio | ||||
| Provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities59.5% | The Chinese Olympic Committee 9.7% |
Torch Relay Presenting Partners and sponsors of the Games of all levels 28.8% |
Olympic Family1% | BOCOG 1% |
|||
| 19400 | 11534 | 1880 | 5586 | 200 | 200 | ||
| 1 | Hainan | 624 |
377 |
58 |
180 |
4 |
5 |
2 |
Guangdong |
832 |
504 |
77 |
240 |
6 |
5 |
3 |
Fujian |
624 |
377 |
58 |
180 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
Jiangxi |
624 |
377 |
58 |
180 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
Zhejiang |
624 |
377 |
58 |
180 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
Shanghai |
416 |
250 |
39 |
120 |
3 |
4 |
7 |
Jiangsu |
624 |
377 |
58 |
180 |
4 |
5 |
8 |
Anhui |
624 |
377 |
58 |
180 |
4 |
5 |
Details>>
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The Timelines
- 1. June 23, 2007
Launch of the Torchbearer Selection Programme by BOCOG
- 2. After June 23, 2007
Launch of Torchbearer Selection Programme by Selection Entities
- 3. June 26, 2007 to October 31 October, 2007
Selection Entities conduct their Selection Process and submit Torchbearer name list to BOCOG - 4. November 1, 2007 to December 30, 2007
Torchbearer Qualification confirmed by BOCOG
Escort Runner Selection
Escort Runner Selection Entities and Selection Method
- 1. 17 years of age or older
- 2. Able to run 3 km in 20 mins without difficulty.
- 3. Able to keep pace with Torchbearers.
- 4. Able to escort Torchbearers over several legs.
- Escort Runner Selection Entities include provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities and the Beijing 2008 Torch Relay Presenting Partners.
Escort Runner Number and Allocation
- The total Escort Runner number is 5,000, of which 4,250 for provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, and 750 for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay Presenting Partners.
Copyright The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad