Torch Song: The 2010 Olympic Torch Relay

Beginning in October 2009 with the official lighting ceremony in Olympia, Greece, the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay was followed by a handover ceremony in Athens. The Olympic Flame will then make its way across Canada, connecting Canadians in every province and territory, throughout a 45,000 kilometre journey, over approximately 100 days, and involving 12,000 torchbearers. The journey of the flame will culminate at BC Place on February 12, 2010 with the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron, signalling the start of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

The 2010 Olympic Torch

The 2010 Olympic Torch is a symbol of the 2010 Winter Games, and will carry the Olympic Flame across Canada on its 45,000 kilometre journey.

Designer/Manufacturer: Bombardier/VANOC

Inspiration: Canada’s open land, vast potential and smooth, fluid lines left in the snow and ice from winter sports

Height: 37.125 inches / 94.5 centimetres

Weight: 2.8 pounds / 1.6 kilograms

Materials used: Stainless steel, aluminum and sheet moulding compound

Burn time: At least 12 to 15 minutes

Fuel used: Blend of Propane, Isobutane and Hydrocarbons

Olympic Torch Relay - Quick Facts

In 1936, the first modern day Olympic Torch Relay took place when the torch travelled from Olympia, Greece to Berlin, Germany.

At the London 1948 Olympic Summer Games - the first Olympic Games after World War II - the lead torchbearer was a corporal in the Greek army who changed out of his military uniform and laid down his arms to signify the sacred truce before carrying the Olympic Flame.

The first Olympic Winter Games Torch Relay occurred in 1952 in Oslo, Norway.

At the Montreal 1976 Olympic Summer Games, the Flame was transformed to an electronic pulse. The pulse was then carried by satellite from Athens to Montreal, where a laser beam was used to light the cauldron.

A highlight of the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Summer Games was a special appearance by Muhammad Ali, a former Olympian recognized for his boxing success and battle with Parkinson's disease. He was selected as the final torchbearer to enter the stadium and light the cauldron in what was a most inspiring moment of the Opening Ceremony.

The first global relay took place before the Athens 2004 Olympic Summer Games. The journey lasted 78 days, covered a distance of 78,000 kilometres and involved 11,300 torchbearers.

History

The Torch Relay is an Olympic symbol of peace, brotherhood and enlightenment and represents a summons to the Olympic Games. The modern-day Torch Relay is derived from ceremonies once a part of the ancient Games of Olympia, Greece. Torch and relay races were important elements of the cultural festivals surrounding the Games, and heralds travelled throughout Greece to announce the Games of Olympia, declaring a sacred truce for the duration of the Games. These events carried a deep ritual significance - a significance that is still respected in the modern-day Olympic Torch Relay.

Carl Diem, an Olympic historian and philosopher, initiated the first modern-day Olympic Torch Relay for the Berlin 1936 Olympic Summer Games. Since that time, the Torch Relay has been a significant part of the Games, with each relay reflecting the culture of its host country.