Olympic torch relay scaled down after China quake

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

BEIJING (AFP) — The Beijing Olympic torch relay will be scaled down in the wake of the devastating earthquake that hit China, a spokesman for the Games organising committee (BOCOG) told AFP Tuesday.

Committee spokesman Sun Weide said that, starting from Wednesday's leg in the eastern province of Jianxi, the relay would be cut back and that one minute of silence will be observed before runners set off.

"The relay will be scaled down starting from Wednesday and procedures will be simplified," Sun told AFP. "The one minute of silence will reflect our concern for the earthquake victims."

Sun said that scaling down the relay and simplifying procedures would mostly affect ceremonies and celebrations that accompany the launch of each leg.

"We will be...