Olympic Torch

Ohio State to be only rest stop on Columbus leg of torch relay
Coveted Olympic torch will be perched on campus

Columbus – The Ohio State University campus will be a prime time viewing spot when the Olympic Torch Relay passes through Columbus on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2002. The torch caravan will pause for a 15-minute rest break at the Ohio Union sometime around 5 p.m.

The Ohio State stop will include welcoming remarks by William E. Kirwan, president of the university. In addition, there will be refreshments available.

The torch, which is being relayed by runners and a variety of vehicles from Atlanta to Salt Lake City along a 13,500-mile, 46-state path, was ignited in Olympia, Greece, and is kept burning in a lantern. When it ultimately reaches Salt Lake City, it will have traveled by auto, airplane, train, ship, dog sled, skier, horse-drawn sleigh, snowmobile, ice skaters and a prairie schooner.

The Columbus leg will be a 32-mile stretch that begins on Cleveland Avenue and ends at COSI where there will be an evening celebration open to the public.

Note: This will be an excellent opportunity for videographers and photographers to get an up-close shot of the torch while it is on display.

WHAT:The Olympic Torch Relay rest break.

WHEN:Around 5 p.m. on Wednesday (Jan. 2, 2002).

WHERE:The Ohio State University Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St., Columbus.

WHY:To give the torch relay team an opportunity to take a break during its 32-mile trek through Columbus.

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