2010 Summer Youth Olympics torch relay

Last updated

Host city Singapore
Countries visitedGreece, Germany, Senegal, Mexico, New Zealand, South Korea
Start dateJuly 23, 2010
End dateAugust 14, 2010
The torch relay in northeast Singapore on August 10, 2010 TorchRelay-2010SummerYouthOlympics-20100810.jpg
The torch relay in northeast Singapore on August 10, 2010

The 2010 Summer Youth Olympics torch relay was run from 23 July until 14 August 2010, prior to the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics held in Singapore. The torch relay was termed The Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame, or JYOF, [1] by the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (SYOGOC). It began with the traditional flame lighting ceremony in Olympia, Greece on 23 July 2010, [2] and was followed by a 13-day round the world tour across five cities, namely Berlin, Germany; Dakar, Senegal; Mexico City, Mexico; Auckland, New Zealand; and Seoul, South Korea. Following the international leg, the torch arrived in host city Singapore on 6 August 2010 for the domestic leg. [3]

Contents

The torch traversed the five cities, representing the five continents of the world: Europe, Africa, Americas, Oceania and Asia, in the given order. A number of famous athletes, leaders, and media personalities were involved the torch relay. Notably, a schoolboy, Low Wei Jie, who was not part of the torch relay was given the opportunity to bear the torch after local newspaper reports of him having following the torch in the rain throughout the day earlier.

The organisers felt that as the games were the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG), it was significant for the spirit of Olympism to reach out to as many youth as possible across the world. The torch relay was held as "the link that connects the youth of the world to the Olympic movement". While there was active community participation in the torch relay, some were reserved about the event and the games itself. However, there were no major disruptions or protests throughout the torch relay, unlike the earlier Beijing Olympics torch relay. The torch relay was brought to an end on 13 August, when Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew lit the cauldron at Marina Bay. However, the Youth Olympic flame was to last till the closing ceremony of the games.

Concept

Supporters cheering on an open-top coach in the mobile column, ahead of the torchbearer, along Bras Basah Road. YOGTorchRelay-RedCoach-BrasBasahRoad-Singapore-20100813-03.jpg
Supporters cheering on an open-top coach in the mobile column, ahead of the torchbearer, along Bras Basah Road.

Although the IOC had scrapped any further international legs of the Olympic torch relay due to problems encountered during the 2008 Summer Olympics torch relay, the executive board approved an exception for Singapore. The plan however was different from the traditional Olympics; the flame was to visit one city from each continent, where community celebrations would take place. [4]

The five cities, dubbed the celebration cities, selected for the torch relay were Berlin, Germany; Dakar, Senegal; Mexico City, Mexico; Auckland, New Zealand; and Seoul, Korea. These five cities each represented the five continents of the world — Europe, Africa, Americas, Oceania and Asia — respectively. The inaugural Youth Olympic Games would commence when the Youth Olympic Flame lit the Olympic cauldron at the opening ceremony on 14 August 2010, marking the commencement of the games. The opening ceremony was held at the main venue of the games, The Float@Marina Bay.

Relay elements

Torch

Compared to the two most recent Olympic torches for the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2010 Winter Olympics, which weighed 985g [5] and 1.6 kg [6] respectively, the Youth Olympic torch was one of the lightest Olympic torches ever constructed, weighing in at about 560g without its canister and 740g with it. The torch measured about 60 cm in length, and had a width from 5 to 8 cm. It was designed to incorporate the elements of fire and water, and was constructed using aluminium and polymers. The reflective surface of aluminium, covering the top part of the torch body, was meant to act as a mirror, reflecting images of its surroundings as it went along the relay route. The handle was coated with non-slip material. [7]

According to the organisers, fire represented youths' passion and "burning desire to learn and excel, blazing the trail in life" (Blazing the Trail was the tagline of the games). Water represented Singapore, which is an island country surrounded entirely by water bodies and which had its origins as a seaport; it also reflected the "vibrant and dynamic nature" of the city-state.[ citation needed ]

When the flame was not being carried by a torchbearer, it was kept in a safety lantern. At the beginning of each day of the torch relay, the flame from the safety lantern would be used to light the Youth Olympic torch. At the end of each day, the flame would be returned to the safety lantern. The safety lantern was also used to keep backup flames lit, allowing the main torch to be re-lit should it go out. At least three safety lanterns were kept lit throughout the duration of the relay. [7]

Cauldron

The Gulfstream G550 used for the Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Flame Jet.jpg
The Gulfstream G550 used for the Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame

The cauldron, not to be confused with the Olympic cauldron lit during the opening ceremony, was lit at each community celebration site. These were found at the last location of activities during the relay at the 5 cities visited, as well as at the end of each day during the domestic leg. [7]

Aircraft

A specially chartered Gulfstream G550 (tail no. HB-JEV) was chartered to bring the flame on its journey around the world. The G550 was painted with a special livery for this purpose.

Torchbearers

For the domestic leg, members of the public were invited to sign up to be one of the 2400 torchbearers. [8] A large number of torchbearers were youths, with the youngest being just 11 years old [9] and the oldest, an ex-Olympian, being 82 years of age. [10]

Sequence of events

Flame Lighting Ceremony on 23 July 2010 2010 Summer Youth Olympics torch ignition ceremony-olympic torch handover.jpg
Flame Lighting Ceremony on 23 July 2010

International leg

Flame lighting ceremony in Greece

In Olympic tradition, the flame was lit at the ancient site of the first Olympic Games in Olympia, Greece. The ceremony was led by Greek actress Ino Menegaki before being passed to 2 Greek and 2 Singaporean youth athletes for a short relay around the ancient stadium. [11] [12] The flame was then handed over to the Singapore delegation at the ancient stadium itself, unlike previous Olympic games [13] [14] where the flame was only handed to the Organising Committee in Athens.

Berlin, Germany

The Youth Olympic flame made its first stop in Berlin, Germany, home of the 1936 Olympic Games, representing the continent of Europe, on 24 July 2010. The flame made a brief visit to the Siemensstadt, a famous sports club in the city, and was received by youth participating in sports there. It then made its way by boat towards the Pariser Platz on the Spree River, where is passed the Haus del Kulturen de Welt, a leading European centre for arts and culture. The city celebrations were held near the Brandenburg Gate, arguably one of Europe's most recognisable landmarks. The Celebration Cauldron in the city was lit by former gymnast Ronny Ziesmer as well as two German athletes bound for the games. Dirk Nowitzki, the 2008 Summer Olympics flagbearer for country, and André Lange, the 2010 Winter Olympics flagbearer, were present as well. [15]

The Singapore Showcase, which was to be held at the other cities as well, was presented by Singapore's Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts and SYOGOC to give the audience an insight into life in Singapore. There were four segments in the performance; the dance segment, the music segment, the sport segment, and a music, dance and sporty extravaganza. Singaporean singer Erick Guansing performed a local song, Bunga Sayang, during the music segment. Chairman of the SYOGOC and vice-president of the IOC Ng Ser Miang commented on the celebrations, expressing his "thrill" in seeing "the level of enthusiasm for sports displayed by youths here in Berlin as well as Germany". Ng accompanied the flame throughout its journey across the world. [15]

Dakar, Senegal

The continent of Africa was represented by Dakar, capital of Senegal. The flame made its arrival on 25 July 2010, one day after its stop in Berlin. Prime Minister of Senegal Souleymane Ndéné Ndiaye, Mayor of Dakar Khalifa Sall, and president of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa General Lassana Palenfo were onsite to receive the Singapore delegation. The Youth Olympic flame travelled around the city, transiting through various historical sites which included the city hall, the Hotel De Ville, and the presidential palace, the Palais de la Republique, of the country. [16]

It was transported through water to Goree Island, a former slave colony and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the City Celebrations took place. Local performances by the Senegalese, as well as Singaporean performances were put up; the song Singapore Town was played there by Singaporean band Supernova. A Senegalese music group performed a local folk song in Walof about "hope and passion for the future", with SYOGOC chairman Ng commenting that Dakar had "embraced the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect in everyday life". [17]

Mexico City, Mexico

Youths from various National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of the Pan American Sports Organization welcomed the Youth Olympic Flame when it arrived at the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, Mexico. The city, which hosted the 1968 Summer Olympics, was the only one among the five which had celebrations spanning two days, from 27 to 28 July. Around 6,000 spectators accompanied the flame during its journey in Mexico City. [18]

The flame visited a number of places in the city, including a community center for less privileged children in Iztapalapa; the Ecoguarda Center, where Mexicans learn about the environment; and Hidalgo Garden in Coyoacan. The Youth Olympic flame also stopped by the Angel of Independence in downtown Mexico, where a hundred Mariachi musicians dressed in traditional Mexican charro suits played a traditional birthday song for the flame. [19] It also went to the Government Palace of Mexico. The Flame then proceeded to Zocalo, the main square in the heart of the historic centre of Mexico City. The City Celebration in Mexico City took place on the night of 28 July. The Singapore Showcast involved the percussion groove of Ethnicity, an ethnic fusion pop band, as well as singing performances by Singaporean Erick Guansing as well as Singapore Idol finalist Gayle Nerva. [18] [20]

Auckland, New Zealand

The Youth Olympic flame arrived in Auckland, New Zealand on 2 August 2010, five days after the celebrations in Mexico City; time had been lost as the flame crossed the International Dateline. The city was the penultimate stop on the international leg of the torch relay. The flame was greeted by the Pōwhiri, a traditional Maori welcoming ceremony, at the Manukau Civic Centre Gallery. Following the Powhiri, the flame visited the Bucklands Beach Yacht Club. Present there were athletes Barbara Kendall and Elise Beavis, who was bound for the YOG a few days later. YOG athlete Mohammad Ali (different from boxer Muhammad Ali) and Olympic gold medallist Yvette Corlett welcomed the flame at the Pakuranga Athletics Club. [21]

The City Celebration was culmination of the flame's tour in Auckland, held at the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre, where Sir John Walker and Beavis ignited the Celebration Cauldron with the Youth Olympic flame. The lighting of the Celebration Cauldron was witnessed by President of the New Zealand Olympic Committee Mike Stanley, Mayor of Manukau City Len Brown, Singapore's Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, and Singapore's High Commissioner to New Zealand M.P.H Rubin, amongst other guests. The Singapore Showcase at the celebrations involved music and theatrical performances, including a special rendition of Rasa Sayang, a Singapore folksong. [21]

Seoul, South Korea

The flame arrived at Seoul, South Korea, the last stop in the international leg, on 4 August. It marked the third city the Youth Olympic Flame visited to have hosted the senior Olympic Games before, with the other two being Mexico City and Berlin. Stops were made the Cheong-Gye Square, the Olympic Park and Gwanghwamun Plaza, where the City Celebrations were held. [22] [23]

In Seoul, the Youth Olympic flame revisited the city's Olympic Park and the Seoul Olympic Stadium, where the 1988 Summer Olympics was held. It marks fourth time to hold the Olympic torch relay in 1988, 2004, 2008 and 2010. in 1988 Towards the end of the day, the Flame made a stop at Cheonggye Square which was adjacent to the Cheonggyecheon, a creek that runs through downtown Seoul. The flame then headed towards Gwanghwamun Square, the site of the City Celebration, accompanied by costumed musicians playing traditional Korean music. Ethnic fusion pop band Ethnicity performed once again; so did singer Erick Guansing as well as Gayle Nervas, who sang Home, a Singaporean song, completing a medley of Singapore songs. [23]

Domestic leg

The domestic leg of the torch relay covered most of Singapore's residential areas ending at Marina Bay on 13 August 2010. Due to Singapore's small size and road limitations and organisers wanting as many people to have a chance to be a torchbearer at the same time, each torchbearer carried the torch for a distance of about 100 m before handing it to the next bearer. [8]

Flame arrival celebrations, 6 August

The Youth Olympic Flame was first publicly shown to the public at the National University of Singapore as part of the annual NUSSU Rag and Flag display. [24] Celebrations started in the early evening, with the display of floats and performances by various faculty clubs, staff and alumni, before floats and displays showcasing the 6 countries involved were brought out. The flame was brought out, where the cauldron was lit by President S R Nathan, along with the Amanda Lim and Silas Abdul Razak. [25]

Day 1, 7 August

The first day of the torch relay in Singapore started in the heart of Singapore, at CHIJ Toa Payoh in Toa Payoh. The relay continued through the estates of Toa Payoh, Bishan and Ang Mo Kio, before ending the day at Nanyang Polytechnic. [26] Notable torchbearers for the day include celebrities Joanne Peh, [27] Randall Tan, [28] Elim Chew [29] and Zheng Geping.

Day 2, 8 August

The second day saw the torch relay visit the south-eastern areas of Singapore, made up of Potong Pasir, Serangoon, Paya Lebar, Bedok, Eunos, Joo Chiat, Marine Parade and Simei before ending the day at ITE College East. [26] Notable torchbearers for the day were adventurers David Lim, Khoo Swee Chiow and Sophia Pang. [30]

The relay then took a break on 9 August, for Singapore's National Day celebrations. However, it made a surprise visit at the National Day Parade, 2010 held at the Padang, where the nation celebrated its 45th year of independence.

Day 3, 10 August

The third day had the relay resume in the north-eastern part of Singapore, going through Punggol, Sengkang, Hougang, Pasir Ris and Tampines, [26] ending the day with the torch crossing Bedok Reservoir on dragonboat to reach Temasek Polytechnic. [31] The youngest torchbearer, Nurhidayah Rahmat, ran in the morning of the day. [32]

In the morning, Low Wei Jie, 12, followed the relay in the morning showers for more than 2 hours, catching the attention of relay official and the media. [33] His efforts and enthusiasm did not go unappreciated, as relay officials gave him a slot on the last day of the relay. [34]

Day 4, 11 August

The fourth day of the relay covered the north-western part of Singapore, visiting Bukit Timah, Holland, Bukit Panjang, Yishun, Sembawang and Woodlands [26] before ending the day at Republic Polytechnic. Notable torchbearers for the day include members of the first Singapore's Women's Everest Team and Ajit Singh, the oldest torchbearer for the relay at 82 years of age then. In the morning, a flypast by the Singapore Youth Flying Club helped start the relay for the day. The torch also made a stop at the Singapore Zoo in the afternoon. [35]

Day 5, 12 August

The industrial heartland in south-western Singapore was covered in the fifth day, covering Jurong, Boon Lay, Bukit Batok, Choa Chu Kang, West Coast, Clementi, Dover and Buona Vista, ending the day at Singapore Polytechnic. [26] Some ASEAN YOG athletes were invited as torchbearers for that day. [36]

Day 6, 13 August

The last day of the relay saw the torch going through the shopping and commercial districts of Singapore, visiting Jalan Besar, Arts District (Victoria Street, North Bridge Road), Chinatown, Tiong Bahru, Telok Blangah, Bukit Merah, Orchard, Rochor, Bras Basah, City Hall, Shenton Way and ending off at Marina Bay. [26] This day saw the most number of notable persons as torchbearers, including Alexander Popov, Yelena Isinbayeva, JJ Lin, Sergey Bubka and Ng Ser Miang. Singapore's YOG chef de mission James Wong and Day 3 star, Low Wei Jie held the torch during the relay as well. [37]

The relay was brought to an end by Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew at Premontory@Marina Bay, after the second boat crossing of the relay from the Merlion. [38] [39]

Complete route

The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, one of Europe's most famous landmarks. Braniborska brana.jpg
The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, one of Europe's most famous landmarks.
The World Peace Gate in the Olympic Park of Seoul, South Korea. Khitai6.jpg
The World Peace Gate in the Olympic Park of Seoul, South Korea.

The tables below show the route taken by the torch during the international leg [40] and the domestic leg. [7]

International torch relay route
DateCityRepresented
continent
Major landmarks
23 July Flag of Greece.svg Ancient Olympia, Greece Temple of Hera
24 July Flag of Germany.svg Berlin, Germany Europe Siemensstadt
Pariser Platz
Brandenburg Gate
Spree River
Haus der Kulturen der Welt
25 July Flag of Senegal.svg Dakar, Senegal Africa Yoff
Goree Island
Place de l'Obélisque
27 July — 28 July Flag of Mexico.svg Mexico City, Mexico Americas Universidad Iberoamericana
Los Pinos
La Ford
Ecoguarda Centre
Hidalgo Garden
El Ángel de la Independencia
Zócalo
2 August Flag of New Zealand.svg Auckland, New Zealand Oceania Manukau Civic Centre Gallery
Telstra Centre
4 August Flag of South Korea.svg Seoul, South Korea Asia Olympic Park
Jam-Sil Stadium
Hannam Bridge (Han River)
Mizy Seoul Centre
Cheonggye Square
Gwanghwamun Square
Singapore location map (main island).svg
Red pog.svg
1
Red pog.svg
2
Red pog.svg
3
Red pog.svg
4
Red pog.svg
5
Red pog.svg
6
Red pog.svg
7
Red pog.svg
8
Red pog.svg
9
Red pog.svg
10
Red pog.svg
11
Red pog.svg
12
Red pog.svg
13
Red pog.svg
14
Red pog.svg
15
Red pog.svg
16
Red pog.svg
17
Red pog.svg
18
Red pog.svg
19
Red pog.svg
20
Singaporean route
Domestic torch relay route
DateRegionNeighbourhoods/Areas coveredCelebration sites
6 August (Flame arrival celebrations) National University of Singapore
7 August Central (North) Bishan, Toa Payoh, Ang Mo Kio Nanyang Polytechnic
8 August South East Potong Pasir, Serangoon, Paya Lebar, Bedok, Eunos, Joo Chiat, Marine Parade, Simei ITE College East
10 August North East Punggol, Sengkang, Hougang, Pasir Ris, Tampines Temasek Polytechnic
11 August North West Bukit Timah, Holland, Bukit Panjang, Yishun, Sembawang, Woodlands Republic Polytechnic
12 August South West Jurong, Boon Lay, Bukit Batok, Choa Chu Kang, West Coast, Clementi, Dover, Buona Vista Singapore Polytechnic
13 August Central (South) Jalan Besar, Arts District (Victoria Street, North Bridge Road), Chinatown, Tiong Bahru, Telok Blangah, Bukit Merah, Orchard, Rochor, Bras Basah, City Hall, Shenton Way, Marina Bay Marina Bay Promenade

Reaction

Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports Dr Vivian Balakrishnan commented that he was surprised by the amount of support given at the grassroots level during the relay. [41] Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean felt that the turnout along the relay route reflected strong support for the games by Singapore citizens. [42]

See also

Related Research Articles

The Olympic flame is a symbol used in the Olympic movement. It is also a symbol of continuity between ancient and modern games. The Olympic flame is lit at Olympia, Greece, several months before the Olympic Games. This ceremony starts the Olympic torch relay, which formally ends with the lighting of the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Through 2022, the flame would continue to burn in the cauldron for the duration of the Games, until it was extinguished during the Olympic closing ceremony. In 2024, electric lighting and mist were used to create a simulated flame for the Olympic cauldron, with the actual flame kept in a lantern exhibited at an adjacent location.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 Summer Youth Olympics</span> Multi-sport event in Singapore

The 2010 Summer Youth Olympics, officially known as the I Summer Youth Olympic Games, and commonly known as Singapore 2010, was the inaugural edition of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG), an Olympic Games-based event for young athletes. Held in Singapore from 14 to 26 August 2010, it was the first International Olympic Committee–sanctioned event held in Southeast Asia. The Games featured about 3,600 athletes aged 14–18 from 204 nations, who competed in 201 events in 26 sports. No official medal tables were published, but the most successful nation was China, followed by Russia; hosts Singapore did not win any gold medals. Most unique features of the YOG, such as mixed-NOCs teams and the Culture and Education Programme (CEP), made their debut at the 2010 Games.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 Winter Youth Olympics</span> Multi-sport event in Innsbruck, Austria

The 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games, officially known as the I Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG), were an international multi-sport event for youths that took place in Innsbruck, Austria, on 13–22 January 2012. They were the inaugural Winter Youth Olympics, a major sports and cultural festival celebrated in the tradition of the Olympic Games. Approximately 1100 athletes from 70 countries competed. The decision for Innsbruck to host the Games was announced on 12 December 2008 after mail voting by 105 International Olympic Committee (IOC) members. Innsbruck is the first city to host three winter Olympic events, having previously hosted the 1964 Winter Olympics and the 1976 Winter Olympics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Summer Youth Olympics</span> Multi-sport event in Nanjing, China

The 2014 Summer Youth Olympics, officially known as the II Summer Youth Olympic Games Chinese: 第二届夏季青年奧林匹克运动会; pinyin: Dì'èrjiè Xiàjì Qīngnián Àolínpǐkè Yùndònghuì, and commonly known as Nanjing 2014, were the second Summer Youth Olympic Games, an international sports, education and cultural festival for teenagers, held from 16 to 28 August 2014 in Nanjing, China. These were the first Youth Olympic Games held in China, making it the first country to host both regular and Youth Olympics following the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2009 Asian Youth Games</span>

2009 Asian Youth Games, officially known as the 1st Asian Youth Games and also known as Singapore 2009, was a pan-continental multi-sport event held in the city state of Singapore from 29 June to 7 July 2009, with 90 events in 9 sports.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 Winter Olympics torch relay</span>

The 2010 Winter Olympics Torch Relay was a 106-day run, from October 30, 2009, until February 12, 2010, prior to the 2010 Winter Olympics. Plans for the relay were originally announced November 21, 2008, by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). Communities were initially informed in June 2008, but the locations were not announced for "security reasons". Exact routes were later announced several weeks before the start of the torch relay.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 Summer Olympics torch relay</span>

The 2012 Summer Olympics torch relay was run from 19 May until 27 July, prior to the London 2012 Summer Olympics. The torch bearer selection process was announced on 18 May 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lyo and Merly</span> Mascots of 2010 Summer Youth Olympics

Lyo and Merly were the official mascots of the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics held in Singapore. Lyo is an anthropomorphic red male lion whose name stands for "Lion of the Youth Olympics", while Merly is an anthropomorphic blue female Merlion whose name combines "mer" with "liveliness" and "youthfulness". The duo represent several Olympic values and traits of Singapore. Cubix International designed the mascots, while another local company, Mascots and Puppets Specialists, developed their costumes. Before and during the Youth Olympics, Lyo and Merly appeared in school events, launches and roadshows. They also participated in pre-National Day Parade activities, were displayed at competition venues and were featured in Youth Olympics memorabilia.

This page is a chronological summary of the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics, the inaugural Youth Olympic Games, held in Singapore.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2002 Winter Olympics torch relay</span>

The 2002 Winter Olympics torch relay was a 65-day run, from December 4, 2001, until February 8, 2002, prior to the 2002 Winter Olympics. The runners carried the Olympic Flame throughout the United States – following its lighting in Olympia, Greece, to the opening ceremony of the 2002 games at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. The 2002 torch relay was also the 50th anniversary of the Winter Olympic torch relay, which was first run during the 1952 Winter Olympics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 Summer Paralympics torch relay</span>

The 2012 Summer Paralympics torch relay ran from 22 to 29 August 2012, prior to the 2012 Summer Paralympics. The relay began with four flames kindled on the highest peaks of the four nations of the United Kingdom, which were then brought to their respective capital cities for special events honouring the upcoming Games. For the relay proper, the four national flames were united at a ceremony in Stoke Mandeville in preparation for a final 92-mile (148-kilometre) journey to London.

The 1968 Summer Olympics torch relay took part as part of the build-up to the 1968 Summer Olympics hosted in Mexico City, Mexico. The Olympic flame was lit in Olympia, Greece, and retraced the steps of Christopher Columbus, discoverer of the New World. This theme celebrated the link between Latin-American and Mediterranean civilizations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2000 Summer Olympics torch relay</span>

The 2000 Summer Olympics torch relay was the transferral of the Olympic Flame to Sydney, Australia, that built up to the 2000 Summer Olympics. The torch travelled to various island nations as part of a tour of Oceania before beginning an extensive journey around Australia. For the first time the Flame was taken underwater, with a special flare-like torch taken on a dive down to the Great Barrier Reef. At the opening ceremony the cauldron was lit by Aboriginal athlete Cathy Freeman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1996 Summer Olympics torch relay</span>

The 1996 Summer Olympics torch relay was run from April 27 to July 19, leading up to the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. The route covered 26,875 kilometers (16,699 mi) across the United States and featured a wide variety in the methods of transport used, including bicycles, boats, and trains. The National Pony Express Association participated in the journey, with riders carrying the torch for over 56 continuous hours. The torch was taken on board a replica of a 19th-century packet boat and pulled for 3.2 kilometers (2.0 mi) along the Erie Canal by mule. The torch was also carried into space for the first time, with astronauts taking an unlit torch with them aboard Space Shuttle Columbia as part of STS-78. The relay involved over 12,000 torchbearers, including Muhammad Ali, who was chosen to ignite the Olympic cauldron.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 Summer Olympics torch relay</span>

The 2020 Summer Olympics torch relay was held from 12 March 2020 and ended on 23 July 2021. After being lit in Olympia, Greece, the torch was handed over to the Olympic shooting Gold medallist Anna Korakaki, who became the relay originating Olympian woman of the 2020 Summer Olympics torch relay. It was then transported to Athens on 19 March by official airliner Japan Airlines. The Japanese leg began in Fukushima, and is scheduled to end in Tokyo's New National Stadium, the main venue of the 2020 Olympics. It makes a tour of Japanese cities, including all 47 prefecture capitals. The torch is even scheduled to go to two remote island groups which are part of Tokyo. The end of the relay was the finale of the 2020 Summer Olympics opening ceremony on 23 July 2021. Toyota, NTT, ENEOS, Nippon Life, JAL, ANA and Japan Post Holdings are the presenting partners of the relay, with the slogan being "Hope Lights Our Way".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 Summer Paralympics torch relay</span>

The 2016 Summer Paralympics Torch Relay was a 7-day event leading up to the 2016 Summer Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. It began on September 1, 2016, in Brasilia and concluded at the Games' opening ceremony on September 7. The Paralympic torch relay began with five individual flames being relayed to a city in each of the five regions of Brazil. These flames, as well as a sixth flame lit in Stoke Mandeville, Great Britain, were united to form a single Paralympic flame, which was relayed through Rio on 6 and 7 September 2016 en route to its lighting at the Maracanã during the opening ceremony.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2024 Winter Youth Olympics</span> Multi-sport event in Gangwon Province, South Korea

The 2024 Winter Youth Olympics, officially known as the IV Winter Youth Olympic Games and commonly known as Gangwon 2024, were a winter multi-sport event, cultural festival, and fourth edition of the Winter Youth Olympics held between 19 January and 1 February 2024 in Gangwon Province, South Korea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Winter Olympics torch relay</span>

The 2022 Winter Olympics torch relay was run from 18 October 2021 until 4 February 2022. After it was lit in Olympia, Greece, the torch traveled in a symbolic relay to Athens on 19 October. The Chinese leg ended in Beijing National Stadium, at the end of the opening ceremony. On 20 October 2021, it was announced that the Chinese leg will have only three days, following a series of displays of the flame in various Chinese cities, starting on 2 February, at the morning of the first day of the Chinese New Year as stage 3. Unlike the previous relays, the relay only visited the three venues clusters, the main sights of Beijing and the city of Zhangjiakou. The final torch was lit by long-distance runner Dilnigar Ilhamjan and nordic combined Zhao Jiawen.

References

  1. "Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame (JYOF)". SYOGOC. Archived from the original on 29 January 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2010.
  2. "Olympic Flame for Singapore YOG lit in Greece". Channel NewsAsia . MediaCorp. 23 July 2010. Archived from the original on 24 July 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  3. Soh, Li Yin (6 August 2010). "YOG Flame arrives in Singapore". mypaper . Singapore Press Holdings. Archived from the original on 9 October 2012. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  4. "IOC Scraps International Torch Relays". Around the Rings. 27 March 2009. Archived from the original on 27 October 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  5. "The Image and Look – The Torch". Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games. Archived from the original on 14 May 2013. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  6. "The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch". VANOC. Archived from the original on 13 October 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  7. 1 2 3 4 "Torch". SYOGOC. Archived from the original on 13 April 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  8. 1 2 "Torchbearers". SYOGOC. Archived from the original on 30 April 2010. Retrieved 13 October 2010.
  9. "Small Steps For Youngest Torch-bearer". SYOGOC. 10 August 2010. Archived from the original on 18 May 2012. Retrieved 13 October 2010.
  10. Tan, Serene (3 August 2010). "Ajit, 82, to run torch". The Straits Times. Singapore Press Holdings. Archived from the original on 24 October 2010. Retrieved 13 October 2010.
  11. "Youth Olympic Flame Lit In Ancient Olympia". SYOGOC. 23 July 2010. Archived from the original on 26 July 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  12. "Singapore Youth Olympics Flame Lit in Olympia". Around the Rings. 23 July 2010. Archived from the original on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  13. Lee, Jeff (29 October 2009). "Olympic flame now in Canadian hands for 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games". Vancouver Sun . Archived from the original on 31 October 2009. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  14. "Greece hands China Olympic torch". BBC News . 30 March 2008. Archived from the original on 23 March 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  15. 1 2 "Youth Olympic Flame Arrives In Berlin". SYOGOC. 24 July 2010. Archived from the original (media release) on 1 December 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  16. Lim, Leonard (26 July 2010). "YOG flame arrives in Senegal". The Straits Times. Singapore Press Holdings. Archived from the original on 22 October 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  17. "YOG flame reaches second stop". Singapore Press Holdings. AsiaOne. 26 July 2010. Archived from the original on 2 August 2018. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
  18. 1 2 "YOG Flame in Mexico City; IOC to Rule on Exemption for Olympian". Around the Rings. 29 July 2010. Archived from the original on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 13 October 2010.
  19. Lim, Leonard (29 July 2010). "YOG flames arrives in Mexico". The Straits Times. Singapore Press Holdings. Archived from the original on 2 August 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  20. "Youth Olympic Flame Arrives In Mexico City". SYOGOC. 29 July 2010. Archived from the original (media release) on 30 November 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  21. 1 2 "City Of Sails Welcomes The Youth Olympic Flame". SYOGOC. 2 August 2010. Archived from the original (media release) on 30 November 2010. Retrieved 13 October 2010.
  22. "YOG Flame at final lap before arriving in S'pore". Singapore Press Holdings. 5 August 2010. Archived from the original on 9 October 2012. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  23. 1 2 "Youth Olympic Flame Arrives In Seoul". SYOGOC. 4 August 2010. Archived from the original (Media Release) on 30 November 2010. Retrieved 13 October 2010.
  24. "NUS celebrates Youth Olympic Flame arrival". National University of Singapore. 10 August 2010. Archived from the original on 16 October 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  25. Hoe, Yeen Nie (6 August 2010). "YOG: Official welcome for Youth Olympic Flame". Channel NewsAsia. MediaCorp. Archived from the original on 25 August 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  26. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Singapore Leg". SYOGOC. Archived from the original on 11 July 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  27. "YOG Flame starts relay". The Straits Times. Singapore Press Holdings. 8 August 2010. Archived from the original on 22 October 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  28. Lim, Leonard (7 August 2010). "Torch relay starts today". The Straits Times. Singapore Press Holdings. Archived from the original on 23 October 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  29. "Journey Of The Youth Olympic Flame Begins In Singapore". SYOGOC. 7 August 2010. Archived from the original (media release) on 24 October 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  30. "Schedule for highlighted torchbearers – Day 2: 8 August 2010" (PDF). SYOGOC. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 December 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  31. "YOG Torch Relay takes to water on Tuesday". Channel NewsAsia. MediaCorp. 10 August 2010. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  32. "Schedule for highlighted torchbearers and events" (PDF). SYOGOC. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 December 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  33. Jonathan, Wong (11 August 2010). "Who's that boy?". The Straits Times. Singapore Press Holdings. Archived from the original on 21 October 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  34. "Wei Jie takes his turn". The Straits Times. Singapore Press Holdings. 14 August 2010. Archived from the original on 24 October 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  35. "Youth Olympic Flame Takes Walk On The Wild Side On Day 4 Of Torch Relay". SYOGOC. 11 August 2010. Archived from the original (media release) on 26 August 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  36. "Day 5: 12 August 2010 – Schedule for highlighted torchbearers and events" (PDF). SYOGOC. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 May 2012. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  37. "Selected torchbearer profiles" (PDF). SYOGOC. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 December 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  38. "Singapore Olympic Torch Relay Day 6" (photo gallery). Channel NewsAsia. MediaCorp. 6 August 2010. Archived from the original on 17 October 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010. 13 Aug: Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew lights the cauldron with the Youth Olympic torch at the Premontory@Marina Bay, venue of the City Celebrations that ends the Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame around Singapore
  39. "Youth Olympic Flame Arrives At Singapore's Marina Bay For Grand Finale To The 13-Day Torch Relay". SYOGOC. 13 August 2010. Archived from the original on 30 November 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  40. "International Leg". Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee. Archived from the original on 27 March 2010. Retrieved 13 October 2010.
  41. "Fit to Post – Yahoo! Singapore's blog » Blog Archive Exams to blame for many empty seats at YOG? «". Sg.yfittopostblog.com. 19 August 2010. Archived from the original on 22 August 2010. Retrieved 30 September 2010.
  42. Lim, Leonard (14 August 2010). "YOG ready to roar". The Straits Times . Singapore Press Holdings. Archived from the original on 24 October 2010. Retrieved 30 September 2010.