Q: "When did the Olympic Torch relay tradition begin? Was it from ancient Greece?" (answer within) -- The 30 Somethings *Look-A-Like* Forum

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Date Posted: 09:08:56 02/23/02 Sat
Author: Feral
Subject: Q: "When did the Olympic Torch relay tradition begin? Was it from ancient Greece?" (answer within)

No, the tradition of the torch relay was created by organizers of the Berlin Games in 1936.

The current version is a testiment to the economic prowess of Peter Uberroth who organized the Los Angeles games in 1984.

Since 84% of Los Angelese residents had voted against hosting the Olympics and no city money could be spent to fund the event Uberroth had to find creative means of financing.

Uberroth decided to mass produce replicas of the Olympic torch. Those who were chosen to have the honor of carrying the torch who were then gently nudged to spend $3,000 to buy the replica as a keepsake of their moment of glory. This idea raised $12 million for the LA games and was the first sign of the rampant commercialism that would follow.

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[> Torch Relay -- Googie, 21:57:23 02/23/02 Sat

I had no idea that happened at the '84 Olympics. I wonder what would have happened had his idea bombed.

Do you know what the motivator was for the creation of the torch relay in 1936?

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