Yao Ming to run last leg of Olympic torch relay
(People Daily)
Updated: 2004-06-07 15:43

China's NBA star Yao Ming will run the last section of the Beijing leg of a global torch relay for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, local organizers announced Monday in Beijing.

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming now is one of the most popular celebrities among Chinese youths. Yao (L) is seen driving past Karl Malone of the Los Angeles Lakers during Game five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2004 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. [AFP/file]

A total of 148 torchbearers, including dozens of celebrities such as legendary table tennis player Deng Yaping and paralyzed gymnast Sang Lan, have been selected for the relay in the host city of the 2008 Games.

"The torchbearers come from all walks of life," Jiang Xiaoyu, vice president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympics, told a press conference held on Monday.

The flame, which was kindled in Ancient Olympia on March 25 and embarked on a 78,000-kilometer global journey which will cover 34 cities in 27 countries, is schedule to arrive in the Chinese capital from South Korea on June 8 for a two-day stay.

Yu Zaiqing, a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)and vice president of the Chinese Olympic Committee, will set off the relay in the morning of June 9, said Jiang.

Regarding the most conspicuous torchbearer -- the last runner, Jiang said Huston Rockets center Yao Ming is a perfect choice.

"We've decided to name Yao Ming, a very famous basketball player in China, as well as in the world, as the last torchbearer," he said.

But Jiang stressed that the list of the torchbearers is subject to changes in the last minute.

"It is only a tentative arrangement. We may modify the order accordingly in case of emergency," he added.

After an eight-hour journey of more than 50-kilometers, the torch, to be lit at the east gate of the Great Hall of the People, will reach the Summer Palace where the last torch bearer will ignite a ceremonial cauldron before a grand celebration.

Along the route, the flame will pass a host of some symbolic sites such as the Temple of Heaven, the Central Business District, Beijing well-known hutongs, universities and construction sites of the Olympic venues built for the 2008 Games.

The flame will be passed from Beijing to New Delhi and is scheduled to return to Athens on July 9 for the second half of its domestic relay before the start of the Aug. 13-29 Olympics.

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