Olympic worldwide sponsor Lenovo is partnering with the US Olympic Committee (USOC) for the March edition of "Olympians in Life," a free educational program focusing on the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay, it was announced on Wednesday.
Available online at www.usolympicteam.com, the month's lesson plans focus on the torch relay, which travels to its only stop in North America, San Francisco, California on April 9, as well as the design of the Olympic Torch, the USOC said in a statement.
In addition to its overall Olympic sponsorship, Lenovo is also a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic Torch Relay and designer of the Olympic Torch and other torch relay components including the lantern that carries the "mother flame" and the city cauldron lit by the last torchbearer in each city.
Teachers throughout the United States are encouraged to utilize the lessons plans to promote Olympic Ideals and Values, while creating an excitement for the Olympic Torch Relay and the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"Lenovo's sponsorship of 'Olympians in Life' has given the USOC the opportunity to reach out to America's youth regarding the importance of the Olympic Ideals and the spirit of the Olympic Torch Relay," said USOC Chief Executive Officer Jim Scherr.
"The Olympic Torch is recognized by countries throughout the world as a symbol of peace and tolerance, and by spreading its message through educational programs, Lenovo and the USOC hope to share the magic of the Olympic Movement with future generations," he said.
"As a worldwide partner of the Olympic Torch Relay and designer of the Olympic Torch, Lenovo is thrilled to bring the excitement of the relay to classrooms around the country," said Scott DiValerio, Lenovo senior vice president and president, Americas. "Our partnership with the USOC enables us to reach students around the country and bring to life one of the most symbolic events of our generation."
"Olympians in Life" resources also include support of Paralympic programming for kids with physical disabilities.
The 2008 Olympic Torch Relay, co-sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company, Samsung and Lenovo, will begin with the lighting of the Flame in Olympia, Greece, on March 24, 2008. After its arrival in Beijing on March 31, the torch will start its journey on April 1, traveling to 21 international cities, including San Francisco, before returning to the Chinese mainland where it will traverse the country for more than three months.
Having been carried by more than 21,000 runners, the Flame will enter the Olympic Stadium as part of the Opening Ceremony of the XXIX Olympiad on Aug. 8, 2008.
(Xinhua News Agency March 13, 2008)