On To Qinghai Lake For The Olympic Torch

The Olympic torch relay is to visit Qinghai Lake, China's largest salt water lake, on Monday. Qinghai Lake is the second stop of the three-day leg of the Olympic torch relay in Qinghai, after the curtain was lowered for the 7.5-kilometer Golmud leg.

A total of 162 torchbearers will participate in 6-kilometer leg of the Olympic torch relay along Qinghai Lake. After that, the flame will be passed through Xining, the provincial capital on Tuesday. Situated in the northeast part of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, the lake valley covers 29,600 square kilometers. Qinghai Lake, at more than 3,200 meters above sea level, boasts a water area of 4,232 square km.

The major attractions of the lake include the Bird Island. Located at the crossroads of several bird migration routes across Asia, it is home to 189 species of birds and attracts large flocks of birds to perch every year. The lake is also a crucial barrier against the invasion of the desert from the west. Authorities in northwest China have launched a massive program this year to protect the lake from further environmental degradation, including water level falling, grassland degrading and desertification.

Foreign Resident Makes Olympic Torch Dreams Come True

American Jonathan Kos-Read, who names himself after ancient Chinese strategist Cao Cao, said his dream had come true by running in the Olympic torch relay in Jingzhou, the most coveted city in the ancient Chinese history. "I'm so excited to deliver the torch in Jingzhou. It made my 'Three Kingdoms' dream come true," said the American.

Cao Cao was one of the most powerful rulers in the Three Kingdoms Period more than 1,700 years ago. "Cao Cao was one of the wisest figures in the Chinese history. This name is also easy to remember. So I take this Chinese name," he said.

Having lived in Beijing for 11 years, the 35-year-old American speaks Beijing dialect, married a Beijing girl and has a baby with her. He has starred in more than 60 films and television shows. "I've been a Beijing native," he said proudly.

Kos-Read said he was so excited to run in Jingzhou, where major events of the Three Kingdom Period took place.

A minute of silence for the victims

Torch relay organizers have pledged to spend a minute's silence in all future torch runs in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the recent China earthquake. Next stop for the torch which is now making it's way to Beijing it Jiangxi Province. The conclusion being in the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony on August 8.

The agreed upon plan is to have the torch bearers spend a full minutes silence as soon as the torch is passed on to another bearer. No immediate plans of changing the route for the Olympics torch has been made. It will continue to its next stop on several towns of Suchuan mid-June.

Olympic Torch Reaches Mt. Qomolangma

Chinese mountaineers selected to carry the 2008 Olympics torch have completed their mission with resounding success! Mt. Qomolangma is the highest mountain peak in China and the Chinese have completed probably the most ambitious Olympic troch relay run in history.
Arriving mid morning at the peak, this particular torch relay was televised in an obvious bragging attempt by the Chinese that they can perform such momentous task. The torch was lit at about one hundred meters away from the summit and then relayed upwards by five torchbearers. The last bearer Tsering Wangmo, an ethnic Tibetan and one of the two female climbers on the final assault team, carried the torch to the peak. The unprecedented relay lasted about six minutes.

The 19-member final assault team consists of both ethnic Tibetans and Han Chinese, including university students and female climbers. They were spearheaded by ethnic Tibetan Nima Tsering and deputy head Luo Shen who is Han Chinese. About 30 climbers, including the mountaineering team and the cameramen, scaled Mt. Qomolangma in gusty winds and freezing temperature.

Hainan Province Receives Olympic Torch

During a three-day journey in south China's Hainan Province, the Olympic torch relay has received warm welcome by all the Hainan people, including ethnic Li, Miao and Hui.

China's southernmost province is home to 38 ethnic groups and an ethnic population of 1 million. When the Olympic torch relay toured Sanya, Wuzhishan, Wanning and Qionghai, ethnic people were all along the relay route, cheering and chanting support for the Olympics.

Meanwhile, they expressed their best wishes by performing folk songs and dances. "It's wonderful and exciting. I'm so proud of my country," said Wanma, a Tibetan young man living in the resort city of Sanya.

Born in Shigatse, a city some 250 kilometers west of Lhasa, the25-year-old youth now works as a staff at a scenic spot in Sanya. Wanma said it's not only his dream but also the wish of all the Chinese people including the Tibetan people that the Olympic Games will be held in China.

Pu Guizhen, a senior man of the ethnic Hui group, greeted the Olympic flame with his sons and grandchildren. They waved red flags and Olympic flags, rooting for the torchbearers. Over 7,000 Hui people live in the Fenghuang Town of Sanya. As the Olympic flame passed by, they all put on traditional clothes and welcomed the sacred flame with their special greetings.

"It's a great honor for me to run as the last torchbearer, and I hope I can show the charm of both Sanya and Li people," said Pu Huifang, head of Tianya Town, who ran together with movie star Jackie Chan. Pu said she would take the Olympic torch to her town and let her townees touch it, to feel the charm and spirit of the Olympics.

Torchbearer Lu Deping, a representative of ethnic Miao, ran the second leg in Wuzhishan city. "It is a moment of life for me," he exclaimed.

Torch Relay In India Successful

President of the Indian Olympic Association, Suresh Kalmadi said that the Indian leg of the Olympic torch relay was a resounding success thanks to security provided and the support of the Indian people.

Only on the second leg of the Asian tour, Olympic torch arrived Thursday morning and was received by Indian Sports officials. 15,000 security personnel were on hand to protect the OLympic flame from protestors along the 2.3 kilometers route. There were measly attempts to sabotage the Olympic Torch relay here in India and a total of 180 people were arrested near the Olympics torch relay route.
The next stop for the Olympics torch will be in Bangkok, Thaland. Check out a brief video of the opening ceremonies in India.

Olympic Torch Passes Through Pakistan

One it's last few remaining legs, the Olympic torch relay in Pakistan was well-received by all leaders and its athletes. No glimpse of protesters or demonstrators were observed. The Pakistan leaders took turns in delivering their own speeches about expressing their support for the coming 2008 Summer Olympics in China. While the atheletes, also took turns delivering their speeches about their Olympics experience in the previous campaigns. The Pakistani leg of the 2008 Olympics Torch relay was closed to the public for security reasons. Watch a portion of the parade held for the Torch relay below.

Olympic torch relay in Muscat concludes

The Olympic torch relay in Muscat, the ninth leg of its global journey, concluded on Monday evening at the Qurm Natural Park.At about 8:30 p.m. (1630 GMT), the last torchbearer Habib Abdulnabi Macki, vice chairman of the Oman Olympic Committee (OOC), arrived at the floating theater of the Qurm Natural Park, where about ten thousand people had already waited to receive the flame.

Beijing Olympic Mascots Fuwa were walking around the park, causing screaming from the people, especially the children. After Macki lit the cauldron, the audience brought out a burst of applause.

Fireworks were set and displayed, which is usually displayed only on the occasion of celebrating the birthday of Omani Sultan Qaboos bin Said. Sayyid Al Mutassim bin Hamoud Al Bousaidi, minister of state and governor of Muscat, addressed the people, saying this event is "an indicator to the extent of the historical relations between Oman and China."

Muscat was selected among other host cities around the world for its special position on the "silk route," Rogge said.Liu Jingmin, vice president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympic Games, said this event has witnessed the continuation of the traditional friendship between the two countries. A grand celebration will be held, consisting of several performance and presentations. Over 5,000 students are holding the flags of Oman to perform certain backdrop to the stage performance. The torch relay in Muscat started at 5:00 p.m. (1300 GMT) Monday at Al Bustan roundabout in the eastern part of the coastal city, where lies the boat of "Sohar" which visited China in 1981. Sayyid Shihab bin Tareq al Said, advisor to Omani Sultan Qaboosbin Said, was the first of the 80 torchbearers. After 250 meters, he handed the flame over to Sayyid Fatik bin Fahar al Said, under secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Culture and also a member of the Royal family.

The route of the torch relay stretched along the coast, passing Al Alam Palace, old Muscat, Muscat Gate and Mutrah Souq where a break was made. After the break, the torch relay continued, passing through the Qurm Flyover, and reached its destination, the Qurm Natural Park. Most of the Omani torchbearers are celebrities such as Royal family members, senior officials and sports stars. The stop in Muscat is the ninth one in the Olympic torch relay outside China's mainland, and the torch has already toured Almaty, Istanbul, St. Petersburg, London, Paris, San Francisco, Buenos Aires and Dar es Salaam.

The Olympic flame arrived in Muscat early Monday from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and will continue its tour in Islamabad, Pakistan. *Source of News*

Buenos Aires Loved The Olympic Torch

The first time the Olympics torch graced the lands of Argentina was a blast! In a good sense that is. No untoward incident was recorded in the Tango City. While people were "mobbing" to catch a glimpse of the Olympic flame, most were delighted to be a catch this once in a lifetime event for Argentinians.

This visit of the Olymic flame was the one and only for the Latin American continent which is actually the 7th leg of the trip around the world. Next stop is the city of Dar Es Salaam, the capital of Tanzania.

Watch the start of the Olympic torch relay in Argentina

San Francisco Torch Relay Pushes Through

Contrary to reports and calls for the torch relay to be canceled due to strong protests coming from Tibet supporters and human rights activists, the Olympic torch arrived today and its 6 mile relay will push through in observance of tradition to symbolize the Olympics spirit and the athletes' aspirations for the coming 2008 Beijing Olympic games.

Scores of protesters have already gone ahead in making their presence felt by scaling the Golden Gate bridge and posting banners in support of their causes. Upon the Olympic torch's arrival however, none of them seem to be present. Security officials claim they will be treating the Olympic torch's arrival like a state visit from a head of state. Security has been closely guarded and plans of re-routing the 6 mile run of the Olympics torch is in place just in case protesters get another chance like they did in London and France earlier.

Watch This Video of the Olympics torch arriving in San Francisco

Riots Erupt In Paris Leg Oympic Torch Relay

I knew it was coming! The desperation of human rights activists have finally come at its peak. In France, the Olympic Torch relay had been interrupted twice and had to be discontinued due to mobbing protesters supporting Tibet's cause.

Demonstators were kept well away from the Olympic torch by a strong French Police protection yet a few managed to come as close as an arm's length of the torch bearer. Many protesters were hurled tear gas as they performed a sit-in strike. They draped the Eiffel tower and Paris City hall with protest banners. The Olympic torch had to be extinguished twice for the whole Paris leg but Jean-Francois Lamour former French Sports Minister said that the original Olympic flame which symbolizes the Olympic spirit is kept safe and lit in the original lantern in the place where it is kept overnight and on airplane flights.

Check out these featured videos of the scene in Paris France over the weekend.

Britain Waits For The Olympic Torch

The United Kingdom led by Prime Minister Gordon Brown and the Princess Royal are raring to go for the longest leg of the Olympic torch run. London organizers reveal that Prime Minister Brown will be receiving the Olympic torch when it arrives. While Princess Anne will be present on the grand finale at the Peninsula Square.

Among the chosen to carry the torch on this 31 mile run is Athens Olympics champion Kelly Holmes, 5-time Olympic gold medalist Steve Redgrave and British Pro Tennis Player Tim Henman.

The other fortunate people chosen Olympic torchbearers are a mix of British popular celebrities such as the girl band Sugababes, actress Denise van Outen, news presenter Trevor McDonald, violinist Vanessa Mae, sailor Ellen MacArthur and Arsenal footballer Theo Walcott.

The torch will pass through key places in the United Kingdom which includes Notting Hill, China Town, Trafalgar Square and the South Bank, St Paul's Cathedral and East London.

Gail Emms and the Lenovo-designed 2008 Olympic Torch

India Ready For The Olympic Torch

Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee has assured the Beijing Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee that the Olympic torch will make its way through the designated passage ways without any hitches. India has pledged it's commitment and support for the upcoming 2008 Summer Games in Beijing China. On India's part, they will make sure no anti-China protests will disrupt the passage of the torch through the Indian subcontinent.

On a political note, both countries, India and China, have been working on strengthening their bilateral ties. Proof of this endeavor was a successful state visit of India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to China in early 2008. Joint documents have been signed to concluded shared goals for the future of both countries.

The 2008 Olympic Torch Ceremony in Greece

The Olympic Torch - Not China's

This was the statement made by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom during a Newsweek interview recently. In that same interview, he also mentions that he feels more people will be joining the celebration of the Olympics torch passing in the streets of San Francisco than joining protest action in his "protest-happy" city.

Newsom says this event provides a great opportunity for America to stay true to its foundations of democracy and free speech. It respects the difference in opinions among people and it equally respect the spirit of the Olympics, the virtues that it stands for and the people will willfully support the 2008 summer games.

Newsom also dismissed the resolution against the Olympics torch signed the San Francisco's Board of Supervisors claiming the decision to allow the Olympics torch it's place and time in San Francisco is entirely up to him and further proclaims that as a mayor and a human rights advocate himself, he is not inconsistent with his convictions.

A 2008 Olympics Torch Relay Promotion Video

San Francisco to Launch Beijing Olympic Torch Relay

The City and County of San Francisco launched the torchbearer selection process for the San Francisco leg of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay on Thursday, according to a U.S. Olympic Committee press release reaching here. Residents of North America are invited to submit online applications until Feb. 3, to be considered as one of the torchbearers who will make history on April 9 when the Olympic Torch travels throughout the city. San Francisco is the only North American stop on the worldwide 2008 Olympic Torch Relay in advance of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

"The Olympic Torch represents the journey for excellence," said San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. "And we are honored to have the opportunity to host and contribute to the Beijing Olympic Journey of Harmony. Here in San Francisco, we are on our own journey for a sustainable future. This is our chance to showcase how local innovation and excellence -- in fitness, environmental initiatives and sustainable business practices -- can be examples for the world." The 2008 Olympic Torch Relay, sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company, Samsung and Lenovo, will begin with the lighting of the Flame in Olympia, Greece, on March 24, 2008.

After its arrival in Beijing on March 31, the torch will start its journey on April 1, traveling to 22 international cities, including San Francisco, before returning to mainland China where it will traverse the country for more than three months. Having been carried by more than 21,000 runners, the Flame will enter the Olympic Stadium as part of the Opening Ceremony of the XXIX Olympiad on Aug. 8, 2008. Source.

Please Vote For Marcos Antonio Torres As 2008 Olympics Torch Bearer

As I am a true blue Filipino myself, I have often pondered upon chances of the Philippines finally winning a gold medal in my time as well as all or any exploits of Filipinos involving the Olympics. Today I read that there is a Filipino vying for the rare privilege of carrying the Olympics torch towards Beijing next year! Marcos Antonio Torres has been trying to make a name for himself in China working at a top design firm there. Click here for his complete profile
Right now he's really far behind his Colombian and American competition with thousands of votes ahead of him but I'm pretty sure with word going around the net and more votes from the online Filipino community. Marcos Antonio can realize his dream of representing the Philippines in next year's Olympic torch relay. Mabuhay ka Marcos Antonio! Mabuhay ka Pinoy! Let's help and vote for Marcos Antonio Torres!

To vote for Marcos Antonio as Olympic Torch Bearer Click here!
To see the vote rankings, Click here.

Related storied found here:
Lester Cavestany Blog
Pinoy Ambisyoso Blog


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Paralympic Torch Relay Route Revealed

This map shows The final planned route for the Paralympics Torch Relay. The planned torch relay route will cross "Paralympic cities" from Beijing (host city of the 13th Paralympic Games) to Vancouver (host city of the 10th Paralympic Winter Games in 2010) to London (host city of the 14th Paralympic Games in 2012) to Sochi (host city of the 11th Paralympic Winter Games in 2014) to Hong Kong (co-host city of the 13th Paralympics, equestrian events). The two other routes will be the "Modern China" and "Ancient China" routes. The "Modern China" route will cross Shenzhen, Chongqing, Wuhan, Shanghai, Qingdao, Dalian and Tianjin and the "Ancient China" route will cross Huangdi Mausoleum, Xi'an, Hohhot, Urumqi, Chengdu, Changsha, Nanjing and Luoyang. The three torches will finally meet in Beijing and light the main cauldron at the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games on September 6, 2008.

China is expecting next year's 2008 Special Olympic Games to be the largest & record-breaking event in it's history. The Paralympics Games sites will be the same as the venues used for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games which will finish just a few days before the Paralympic Games Opening ceremony. Incidentally, the 2008 Paralympics received record-breaking volunteer applications as well.



ParalympicsOlympicsTorch Relay

103-year-old Torch Bearer Hopeful Loses Bid

Sometime in June 2007, recruiting 21,880 torchbearers for the 2008 Olympic torch relay started. 19,400 torchbearers will come from mainland China. The oldest among the applicants was Cao Zuozheng. Cao, a 103-year old Beijing native came up with the idea in 2004 when she had a photo taken of her with a Chinese torchbearer for the Athens Games. She waited three hours in her wheelchair on the roadside to watch the relay in Beijing. To get physically fit, Cao started exercising in 2004, walking about 300 meters twice a day with a stick. She also insists on washing her hair with cold water, which she says keeps her healthy. During the last week of last month, the 103-year-old Beijinger, the only candidate from her residential community, was recommended to Beijing's Dongcheng District authority. Her family had kept their fingers crossed that Cao could become the oldest ever torchbearers selected across the world.

Unfortunately, authorities turned down her application because of obvious health reasons. Her family hadn't told her of the bad news for fear she might take it badly & her health might worsen. On another story, an 89-year old Chongqing male native won his own bid to carry the torch.

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