[First filed: April 27, 2007 @ 07:34]
The ABC brings word of the shock and outrage in Sydney and Melbourne that the 2008 Olympic torch relay has shunned them and their unique charms.
Instead the Chinese have opted to swing the torch through Australia’s capital which is, oh wait it’ll come to me, hang on… Aha! It’s us!
“Former Olympic hosts Sydney and Melbourne were left out in the cold as organisers announced that Canberra would be the only Australian city to see the Olympic flame on its relay trip around the world next year.
Up to 80 torch bearers will carry the Olympic flame through the city over a five-hour period on April 24.”
UPDATED: The Chief Minister has expressed his joy at this recognition:
“The arrival of the Torch Relay next April will again put us in the international spotlight, allowing us to show off what we consider to be one of the world’s most beautiful capital cities and a city which already shares such a special relationship with China’s capital, Beijing,â€
Let’s think about this for a minute when was the last time you paid any attention to the Olympic torch’s world travels?
FURTHER UPDATE: The rather grand announcement ceremony is now on YouTube:
ANOTHER UPDATE: Phayul.com have a story on the Tibetan community commemorating the 18th birthday of the Panchen Llama outside the Chinese embassy yesterday. He became the world’s youngest political prisoner at age 6 and his whereabouts remains unknown (not much point killing him if he’s just going to re-incarnate at least).
It could be a very exciting torch leg if the activists really get out. One wonders if Canberra didn’t get the nod for being easier to secure.
Loading ...
