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Help NYC “Pass the Flame, Unite the World”

Support the torchbearers and come help NYC host its leg of the Olympic Torch's first Global Relay on June 19, 2004. The 2004 Global Relay will cover 33 cities worldwide and all seven continents in 35 days for a total of 48,500 miles.

By: Lesley Michael

Date: April 14, 2004

On June 19 2004, New York City will have the honor of receiving the Olympic flame during its first global journey. The flame will be lit in a ceremony in Ancient Olympia, Greece, on March 25, 2004, in recognition of the day the modern Olympic Games were restored in 1896.

The torch will make its way through 33 cities around the world over 35 days, before returning to its ancestral homeland of Greece and to the stadium hosting the 2004 Summer Olympics opening ceremonies. Cities previously hosting the Summer Olympic Games will also receive the Torch and for its first time it will make its way through the continents of South America and Africa.

Upon reaching the streets of New York the Olympic flame will embark on a 35 mile run throughout the city. Following its mega-marathon, the Torch will be welcomed in a public celebration commemorating the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens and the Spirit of the Olympic Games.

At the Torch Relay Press Conference, Mayor Michael Bloomberg commented, “When the Olympic Torch arrives in New York, we will join the world in honoring the spirit and the unifying principles of the Olympic Games, and the Torch Relay presents us with a unique opportunity to highlight the shared passion, energy and excitement New Yorkers feel for the Olympic Games.”

New York City welcomes the public to take part in this momentous celebration by cheering on the torchbearers as the make their way through the City on June 19. To volunteer and help “Pass the flame, Unite the World!” please visit: www.nyc.gov/html/misc/html/athens2004.html

References:

2004 Athens Torch Relay Website

NYC.GOV website- Athens Torch Relay 2004