Torch coming to USU Spectrum
After traveling through 46 states, the Olympic torch will reach Logan and Utah State University Wednesday night as the focus of an Olympic celebration in the Spectrum.
Tami Firth, administrative secretary for the Logan Parks and Recreation Center, said the torch will arrive in the Spectrum at approximately 5:32 p.m. and be placed on a stand in the center of the stage while the song Story of Glory plays and a “theatrical boom” fills the auditorium.
Firth advises students and community members to arrive in their seats at least two hours early, at 3:30 p.m., because she said, “We are going to pack the house.”
Debbie Harvey, the program information representative for the event, said the official kick-off time for the celebration will begin at 4:20 p.m. with a video called “Nations of the World,” which Utah created a few years ago to use in the bidding process in order for the Olympic Games to take place in Salt Lake City.
However, Firth said 10 minutes before the start, local cheerleaders will be helping in “Coke Giveaways” where T-shirts will be thrown at the audience and stickers will be given out.
Mayor Doug Thompson, President Kermit L. Hall and possibly Jackie Leavitt, Gov. Mike Leavitt’s wife will be speaking at the event, Firth said.
She said the governor was looking forward to also speaking, but realized he was “double-booked” and could not make it. Jackie Leavitt will try to speak in his behalf, but it is still tentative, Firth said.
During the celebration, the Kenyan cross country ski team will make an appearance, Firth said.
She said the Kenyan team is considered the underdog, but viewed in the same light at the Jamaican bobsled team, with much hope for them.
Firth said other highlights include the Boys and Girls Club and fourth-grade school choirs singing Dream with Me, guest speaker Joel Allred will be telling about his Olympic Torchbearer experience and the celebration will end with the entire audience standing together to sing God Bless America.
Brent Carpenter will be carrying the torch into the Spectrum, Firth said.
She said all torchbearers were chosen “based on the essays that were written and submitted for them.”
Krista Rowles, a junior in the journalism and communication department who has directed media relations for the torch all the way from Atlanta, said the torchbearers embody the Olympic spirit and have all done something to inspire their communities.
Rowles said there are 11,500 torchbearers in the nation, 1,150 in Utah and 38 in Logan.
Firth said each torchbearer runs .2 of a mile from Atlanta to Salt Lake City.
After the conclusion of the torch celebration, Firth said audience members are encouraged to attend the USU versus BYU gymnastics meet at 6 p.m.