Source: The News

Because Pakistan is one of nineteen countries through which the Olympic Torch will travel before being used to light the cauldron at the Beijing Olympic Games, there is a lot of interest in its journey. Besides sports enthusiasts, the average Pakistani is very excited about the event and hopes it would be covered fully by the electronic media — the next best thing to being there in person to witness such an historic event!

Preparation s by the Pakistan Olympic Association and volunteers are going on full swing and as the countdown to the day begins, the enthusiasm among those participating in the ceremony — whether it is the volunteers; the artistes; the individuals or groups taking part in the pomp and ceremony — is mounting. They are thrilled to be part of this honour that has come about through the efforts of the Pakistan Olympic Association and the help of the embassy of China. It is another proof that Pakistan and China have a strong and durable friendship.

The journey of the Olympic Flame has already begun and is providing great moments to viewers who are following its journey by showcasing the peoples; the cultures; the traditions and the landmarks of the places it will, or has travelled to, spreading the Olympic spirit with its ‘journey of harmony,’ which is the theme of the torch relay.

When the torch is in Pakistan and the ceremonial lighting and relay take place the eyes of the world will be on us, a great opportunity to show that we are normal, peace loving people who have cultural traditions we are proud of — that we can rise to the occasion and be among the best!

Torchbearers who carry the torch are specially selected for the purpose keeping in mind the impact of any work they have done for their country or any achievements they may have to their credit for the betterment of their people and mankind in general. It is a great honour to be chosen as a torchbearer and though some names have appeared in the press, the official list is awaited with bated breath, so to say!

Heated discussions in various gatherings bring forth certain names but which persons will eventually make the grade is a well kept secret, while a heartening aspect is that women and handicapped persons have also being considered.

It is a well-known fact that the final torchbearer is always a citizen of the country where the Olympic Games are being held and the name of the person is only revealed at the last moment!

It is often a personality of the sports world or a young person symbolising hope for the future. After he-she lights the Olympic cauldron signalling the start of the games, a symbolic release of pigeons evokes the climate of peace in which the Olympics should take place. Let us hope that despite the negative vibes being given out by some political activists around the world, the games will go through in the spirit of the Olympic ideal, representing hopes and dreams; sunshine and celebration; friendship; peace friendship; equality as well as such values and concepts as perseverance and happiness and that all hostilities should remain abated while the games are in progress.

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Tags: beijing, Olympic Games, Olympic Torch, Pakistan Olympic Association