Olympic organizers are starting to recruit torch bearers for the longest relay route in Olympic history. There will be 21,880 torch bearers for the 137,000 km torch relay route.

Jiang Xiaoyu, executive vice president of the official Olympic body, BOCOG, said, ‘There are two ways of becoming a torch bearer. The first one is through recommendations by various organizations and institutions. Another way is an open process in which public recommendations are accepted.’

5,000 escort runners will be selected on the Chinese mainland exclusively for the relay.

Jiang Xiaoyu said, ‘In a few days, the public will know how to apply as respective organizations and institutions will announce their own application process. But none of them are allowed to add additional requirements to the existing ones.’

There are no limits on gender, career, nationality or health conditions but Jiang Xiaoyu said the applicants should be older than 14.

Foreigners can account for at most 5% of torch bearers on the Chinese mainland which will have 19,400 in total. People with a disability are welcomed to take part.

The deadline for submitting applications is October 31 before the BOCOG make the final confirmation before December 30 this year.

The Beijing Olympics holy flame will be lit in March next year in Greece before starting its 130-day journey.
Source: Shanghai Daily