Samsung Invites Public Nomination of Olympic Torchbearers in Hong Kong and Macau

Samsung Electronics (Samsung), the Presenting Partner of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay entitled to select 1,500 torchbearers worldwide, invites citizens in Hong Kong and Macau to nominate themselves or other suitable candidates as Samsung’s Olympic Torchbearers through a Public Nomination Campaign.

With the theme of “Push the Limit for Better Life”, Samsung will select “role models” from different walks of life in accordance with their achievements and/or contributions to society through various nomination campaigns. In Hong Kong and Macau, a total of two torchbearers will be selected through Public Nomination. The torchbearers are selected according to the selection criteria set by the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG).

For the Public Nomination, interested persons can send in their inspiring stories of about 100 words with a photo of the nominee by mail or online on www.samsung.com/hk/otr from today till 11:59 pm on September 28, 2007. Samsung will shortlist 10 candidates in Hong Kong & Macau respectively through internal screening and interview with a “Panel of Judges” comprising professionals in society for public voting from October 4 to 11:59 pm on October 18, 2007, and the final list of torchbearers will be announced by BOCOG early next year. Samsung is grateful for the immense support from the Junior Chamber International, Hong Kong and Macau, to assist in the nomination and selection process.

Samsung’s relationship with the Olympic Games began in 1988 as a National Olympic Sponsor for the Seoul 1988 Olympic Games. Ten years later, Samsung became the Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Wireless Communications Equipment category for the Nagano Winter Games with continued sponsorship at the Sydney Games, Salt Lake City Winter Games, Athens Games, and Torino Winter Games. Starting from the Athens Games, Samsung further extended its sponsorship as the Presenting Partner of the Olympic Torch Relay as well.

“Being the Presenting Partner of the Olympic Torch Relay in the past two Olympic Games, Samsung feels privileged and confident in organizing one of the most successful Olympic Torch Relays around the globe,” said Mr B.W. Kim, Managing Director of Samsung Electronics H.K. Co Ltd at the inaugural ceremony for the Public Nomination held at the apm Shopping Mall in Kwun Tong, Hong Kong, on September 3, 2007.

“This privilege is also conferred to the selected torchbearers as this is going to be a once-in-a-life time experience for them to represent HK & Macau respectively to run with the Olympic Torch, particularly when it will be run on Chinese soil,” Mr Kim added.

“As a co-organizing city in the Equestrian Event in the Beijing Olympics, Hong Kong is delighted to have yet another opportunity to take part in the Games – with its celebrities and members of the public bearing the Olympic torch on the Hong Kong leg of its global tour,” said Mr Timothy Fok, President of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, at the ceremony.

Ms Sandra Wong, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association, said, “We are most delighted that the people of Hong Kong have the opportunity to take part in this Olympic activity. While only a small number of elite athletes from Hong Kong can actually compete in the Olympic Games itself, this Olympic Torch Relay will allow a much larger number of Hong Kong citizens to be directly involved in the Olympics and experience the Olympic excitement.”

The ceremony featured renowned singers - Kelly Chen, Miriam Yeung and Eason Chan. Kelly and Miriam are honoured as Outstanding Youths in the World and Hong Kong respectively while Eason has been actively involved in charitable activities. The “three stars” are successful “role models” and ideal candidates for being appointed as Samsung’s Olympic Torch Relay Promotional Ambassadors.

The Olympic Torch Relay is a grassroots celebration of the Olympic spirit and the biggest road show in the world. The Olympic Torch has been designed to reflect both the cultural characteristics of the organizing cities and state-of-the-art technology. In line with the theme of “Green Olympics” of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, the torch, measuring 72 cm in height, 985 gm in weight and made of aluminum, uses propane as fuel, which is environmentally friendly and leaves only carbon dioxide and water after burning.
For more information about Samsung’s Olympic Torch Relay activities, please visit www.samsung.com/hk/otr