SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- Mayor Gavin Newsom announced the names of the individuals chosen to carry the Olympic Torch through the streets of San Francisco April 9.
Speaking from Portsmouth Square in Chinatown Friday, the mayor was joined by six torchbearers - Edwin Lee, Todd Hallenbeck, Lisa Hartmayer, Shirley Olivo, and Helen Zia.
"These torchbearers represent the true spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Games," said Mayor Newsom. "Their compelling stories and dedication to a world that can one day realize this year's theme of harmony are truly inspiring."
Marilyn King will be one of the 80 San Francisco runners and knows a little something about running as a three time Olympic team member, in '72, '76 and at the boycotted 1980 games. Her message is to get young people to learn critical thinking skills.
”I’m part of a global initiative to let kids know that it’s their thinking skills that are the most important skills people have, and that they can learn to think this way,” said King.
Another runner, 23-year-old Mallory Schaffer from Alameda is running for the men and women of the armed forces, and Todd Hallenbeck of Daly City is a marine biologist who says he’s running to call attention to ocean life.
San Francisco is the only North American stop on the worldwide 2008 Olympic Torch Relay in advance of the Games in Beijing, China.
In support of the theme of the San Francisco leg of the torch relay, "A Sustainable Journey," 36 of the torchbearers were selected through an online application process by submitting essays describing their personal histories and their commitment to a sustainable community and future. Additional runners were selected by the mayor, the United States Olympic Committee, and the Beijing Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games.
KCBS Expanded Coverage: Olympic Torch Relay
Related Links
List of Olympic San Francisco Torchbearers
sustainablejourney.org
(Photo of Newsom news conference from CBS 5 video)
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KCBS' Tim Ryan reports
