How many torchbearers will carry the Olympic flame in each city?
Overall, approximately 3,600 torchbearers will carry the Olympic flame along the international route, about 100-120 torchbearers per city. Each city has an ample opportunity for its citizens and fellow countrymen to serve as torchbearers and escort runners. Each region will announce its final number of torchbearers in May 2004. How were torchbearers selected? ATHENS 2004 established criteria that all torchbearers “represent the best of humanity” and that selection programs include some form of public participation. Local selection programs based on this criteria were created by 1) ATHENS 2004, working closely with each city and respective National Olympic Committee; 2) Presenting Sponsor Coca-Cola; and 3) Presenting Sponsor Samsung. Each program allowed for public and/or private selection, as long as all people who were selected as torchbearers meet the general criteria and adhere to the rules. Contact National Olympic Committees, Coca-Cola, Samsung or ATHENS 2004 for additional inform
