Salt Lake Organizing Committee (SLOC) and City of Sacramento Announces
SLOC Torchbearer Nomination Process
The Search for America's Inspiration Is On

Sacramento, California, March 30, 2001 - The Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the Olympic Winter Games of 2002 (SLOC) and the City of Sacramento have announced the SLOC torchbearer nomination process for the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Torch Relay. The Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Torch Relay, presented by Coca-Cola and Chevrolet, will celebrate the power of inspiration across America by honoring 11,500 torchbearers who embody the Olympic Spirit by motivating their peers and communities.

The Olympic Torch will come to the City of Sacramento on Saturday, January 19, 2002, in the late afternoon and run through many neighborhoods in Sacramento. Plans are being drawn for a huge celebration in Old Sacramento, including a parade, fun-run, fireworks and sports emporium exposition. Organizations assisting the City of Sacramento include the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sacramento Sports Commission, Downtown Sacramento Partnership, Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce, Sacramento Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Local Chevrolet Dealerships, and KCRA TV Channel 3.

The general public may obtain a nomination form through the Internet at www.cityofsacramento.org and going to the home page of the Department of Parks and Recreation, or by telephoning the department at (916) 264-1903. Beginning next week KCRA TV Channel 3 and the Department of Parks and Recreation will broadcast public service announcements about the torchbearers nomination process.

"The torchbearer selection process will go to the heart to the Games' theme. There is a fire, a spirit that burns in all of us. We are looking for the Olympian in everyone," said Mitt Romney, President and CEO of SLOC. "Torchbearers will be people from all walks of life who have inspired others, whether an individual or a community. As the flame journeys throughout America, our intention is that it will serve as a catalyst, motivating individuals to strive for excellence and achievement in their lives, effecting positive change in their own communities."

SLOC, Coca-Cola and Chevrolet have organized three (3) different selection programs to become an Olympic Torchbearer. All three (3) programs are based on the theme of "Inspire" and will begin on March 1, 2001. Although one person may be nominated for all three (3) programs, an individual can only be selected once.

"What better way to honor those who have inspired us than to nominate them to carry this great symbol of the Olympic Movement," said Mayor Heather Fargo. "It will be a great day for Sacramento when we cheer on our friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches and loved ones as torchbearers."

How to Become a Torchbearer

The SLOC torchbearer nomination program requires applicants to write an essay of 50 to 100 words that describes how they or their nominated person meets one or more of the following criteria:

· Inspire others to greater achievement
· Have been a source of inspiration for his/her community
· Embody the inspirational spirit of the Olympic Movement
· Motivate others by encountering and overcoming adversity

Just who fits these criteria? Inspirational torchbearers can be:

· A teacher who helped you through a difficult time
· A coach who encouraged you to excel
· A student who not necessarily get the best grades, but who studies diligently and stays after school for additional assistance
· A policeman, fireman or other public figure who has performed an extraordinary act of service
· A volunteer who takes care of the community gardens or local beautification program

Approximately 100 community judging panels will be formed nationwide to judge SLOC nomination forms. These judging panels will be comprised of local community service organizations; local business and political leaders; leaders from volunteer, education, religious and youth organizations.

Coca-Cola and Chevrolet are utilizing the same criteria and theme of personal inspiration to select torchbearers. Details of Coca-Cola's program are available at www.coke.com or at a participating Coca-Cola retailer. The Chevrolet torchbearer program is available at any of the 4,300 Chevrolet dealerships or www.chevy.com.

Rules and Regulations

All SLOC nominations received must follow governing rules and regulations to ensure a fair, ethical and inclusive selection process developed by SLOC. SLOC torchbearers:

· Must be 12 years of age or older as of 4 December 2001. If less than 18 years of age, a parental consent form must be signed.
· Must sign a SLOC waiver and publicity release form.
· Assigned Relay segment is not transferable.
· Must be physically able (without causing personal bodily harm) to complete the task of carrying the Flame for a distance of .2 miles (less than one lap around a football field).
· Must be willing to travel outside of local community to carry the Flame. The Relay route is set and cannot be changed, therefore each selected torchbearer must be able to travel to their designated Relay segment and personally incur all related expenses.
· Must provide a street address for notification (no PO Boxes).
· Cannot be candidates running for public office or elected officials.
· All selected torchbearers with special needs will be accommodated within the confines of the Relay. All shuttle buses will be wheelchair accessible. A suitable and versatile mounting device will be designed to attach the torch to the various wheelchairs and motorized scooters. Allowance for special need companion dogs will be made. In the event a torchbearer cannot participate in the Relay without risking injury to himself/herself or others, arrangements will be made for the torchbearer to be honored at the Celebration site.

There is no cost associated with carrying the Olympic Flame. All torchbearers will be issued a uniform provided by SLOC at no charge. Torchbearers will have the opportunity to purchase the torch they carry at cost. SLOC will finalize the cost per torch during the summer of 2001, however the final price per torch is expected to be approximately $300.00.

Timeline: All nomination forms must be completed online or postmarked by May 15, 2001. The timeline for torchbearers is as follows:

March 1 - April 30, 2001: Torchbearer Nomination Forms Available
May 15, 2001: Nomination Form Postmark Deadline
June 2001: Community Judging Panels Judge Nominations
July 2001: Torchbearers Notified
August/September 2001: Torchbearers Announced

The Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Torch Relay will begin on December 4, 2001 in Atlanta, Georgia; arrive in the City of Sacramento on January 19, 2002; continue its journey to Salt Lake City, Utah for Opening Ceremonies on February 8, 2002. The Olympic Flame will travel more than 13,500 miles and pass through 46 U.S. states. More than 11,500 torchbearers will assist with the carrying the flame during the 65-day Relay.