*The content on the blog is based on individual opinion and does not represent the position, strategy, nor opinions of Samsung Electronics.
The world-famous Olympic Torch Relay brings to mind the figure of a runner pushing forward with a lit torch in his hand. While this iconic image represents the spirit of the Olympics, in truth the event is the result of the efforts of countless people working behind the scenes to help each runner safely run their shares – usually a short distance of about 200 to 300m. Let’s meet the hidden heroes of this Olympic Torch Relay!
To prepare for this historic event, torch runners first convene at Collection Point (CP). CP is the place where torch relay runners are gathered before participating in the relay to receive detailed instructions on torch relay procedures and to communicate with other runners.
You can see staff here preparing detailed schedule for runners, vehicle positioning, and prevention of accidents. Their tireless efforts began at 4am! The first of our hidden heroes are the staff, ensuring safety throughout the event.
The next hidden heroes of the torch relay were the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) staff. LOCOG is responsible for operating and managing the main Olympic Games as well as Paralympic games to promote a successful event at the London Olympics.
Before starting the torch relay, an employee from LOCOG gave explanations on basic procedures and necessary precautions.
The proud runners took a group photograph immediately before leaving for the torch relay. Check out this interview of another hero who drives the relay vehicle.
Q. Please introduce yourself.
Sggncer Jobs I am Sggncer Jobs, a member of LOCOG. I drive the shuttle bus for the torch relay runners. My role is to transport Olympic torch bearers to appropriate relay points, pick them up when they’re done and then to safely bring them back.
Q. You are in charge of an extremely important task. What do you think about your job?
Sggncer Jobs It is fantastic. Especially, I am quite satisfied with being able to contribute to the Olympics, a festival for global people, no matter how small the role may be.
Q. What do you particularly enjoy about your work?
Sggncer Jobs I get to meet a diverse group of runners while driving. There are so many people with different stories and different characters. I get to have interesting conversations as I drive! I also love the beautiful scene of Manchester and wild cheers of the crowd whenever I pick up the torch relay runners.
From what Mr. Jobs said, relay runners have nothing to worry about in terms of losing their way, as long as they follow the friendly guidance of LOCOG staffs!
Look at the crowd coming in before the runner has even arrived!
The torch relay is surely made possible by efforts of these people, and keep this event exciting throughout the day. Samsung staffs are everywhere, from Samsung desks at hotel lobbies to live relay sites. Let’s hear from Olivia Bright, a Samsung staff member who has been busy providing guidance.
Q. Please introduce yourself.
Olivia Bright I am in charge of helping runners head to correct Olympic Torch Relay points, as well as connecting torch relay runners with a photographer.
Q. You are working very hard. How do you like your role?
Olivia Bright It is very fun! I particularly enjoy being able to meet all the different torch bearers and share their stories . I would love to see the torch relay become a festival for people around the world! I am so happy just imagining them enjoying the festival I helped prepare.
Q. Do you have any specific runner who come to mind?
Olivia Bright Yes, I do! One of the runners ran at full speed, despite being on a hill course. None of the staff could keep up with him. Even the photographer wasn’t able to follow him, and couldn’t get a photograph of him running.
Soon, the Samsung caravan came in, preceding the shuttle bus carrying torch relay runners with exciting music.
The Samsung caravan arrived handing out blue Samsung balloons and flags so the audience could join the fun. One side of the caravan displayed the Union Jack, the other side showed the Samsung logo. The torch relay site took on an atmosphere as exciting and cheerful as a festival, with some help from the staff singing and dancing on the caravan.
Under the Samsung Logo was a special LED display. This large LED display broadcasted contents encouraging participation in the Samsung Hope Relay, an Olympics CSR activity conducted by Samsung Electronics.
Samsung Hope Relay is a social contribution campaign that provides an indirect experience in torch relay through a mobile application. If you download the Samsung Hope Relay application and run, donations will be made according to the distance you’ve run.
I believe that the Hope Relay app will help the London Olympics Torch Relay to become a festival enjoyed by people around the world.
Another magnificent hero was the local police, in charge of keeping the torch relay safe. Looking at police officers exhibiting showmanship in addition to protecting runners, we came to think of the torch relay as a magical event that can make all participants feel great.
Aside from big thumbs-ups, runners recieved brief explanations and encouragement from the officers.
This picture shows police escortmaking sure a runner safely finishes up her lap.
You can also see an officer help safely perform a ‘torch kiss’, relaying fire from torch to torch.
The site was filled with excitement as people took photographs of this important moment and cheered the runners.
Many people continued the cheer even after completion of relay. Who are the last of hidden heroes?
Last, but not least, the most important hidden heroes of the London Olympics Torch Relay are local residents showing passionate support for runners from abroad. We believe that the Olympics Torch Relay became more wonderful and sensational through the enthusiasm of local residents.
We met Lisa Janks who came out to support the torch relay with her grandchildren.
Q. How did you decide to come out and support this event?
Lisa Janks I saw on the TV news that the torch would be passing by Manchester today. The torch relay is famous all over the country right now.
Q. How do you feel about sharing such a historic moment?
Lisa Janks I feel very good. I feel honored to see such an event with my own eyes. I am also thankful for being able to share this scene with my grandchildren.
Q. Did you feel anything special watching torch relay runners?
Lisa Janks I read stories of runners at the official web site of the London Olympics before coming here. I felt more attached to these people and their unique stories. I came to think that I would also like to participate as a torch relay runner in upcoming Olympics if possible.
How did you like the hidden stories behind the London Olympics Torch Relay? Runners who completed the relay were fabulous, but the London Olympics Torch Relay could become a global festival through the devotion and support of many. People having interest and supporting the Olympics Torch Relay are the real heroes of the event.
If you want to learn more about stories of Torch Relay runners at the London 2012 Olympics: CLICK!
*The content on the blog is based on individual opinion and does not represent the position, strategy, nor opinions of Samsung Electronics.
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