Slovenian Olympic torch to visit all Slovenian municipalities
Ljubljana, 19 April - The Slovenian Olympic torch will pass through all Slovenian municipalities between 3 May and 23 July, as over 5,000 runners will carry the symbol of the Olympic Games over the 81 days in the run-up to the start of the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Tokyo, Japan.
Olympic rings in Tokyo, Japan.
Photo: dpa/STA
The Slovenian Olympic Committee will organise the relay in conjunction with the police, while sports fans have been urged to monitor its progress online given that epidemic restrictions remain in place, the organisers said on Monday.
"I'm looking forward to the torch relay, it will be fun and interesting and people can join us virtually," said former judoka Urška Žolnir Jugovar, torch ambassador and winner of the Olympic gold medal in 2012.
Bogdan Gabrovec, the chair of the Slovenian Olympic Committee, added that the wish was "to transport the Olympic spirit into all Slovenian localities".
He said all but two of Slovenia's 212 mayors were thrilled about the idea despite the restrictions currently in place, adding that the situation may improve in May so that some events and gatherings may be held in person.
The torch, made of recycled steel and Slovenian beechwood, will get going in Bovec on 3 May and finish its journey in Ravne na Koroškem, where it was forged, on 23 July, the day the Olympic Games start.