Olympic Torch Relay in Smolensk

The Olympic torch relay "Sochi - 2014" took place in Hero-City Smolensk on October 12. It made its way through the city streets and covered 20 kilometers.

100 torchbearers took part in the relay. Among them there was the famous actor Sergei Shakurov, the 1994 Olympic champion in biathlon relay Nadezhda Talanova, the 2004 Olympic champion in the hammer throw Olga Kuzenkova, the 1980 Olympic torchbearer Eduard Zaenchkovsky. Torch with the Olympic flame was also carried by Deputy-Governor - Head of the Administrative office the Administration of Smolensk region Lev Platonov, Deputy Governor Nikolai Kuznetsov and other famous Smolensk residents.

Thousands of residents and visitors of the city went out to the streets of the regional center and Lenin Square to see the Olympic torch relay with their own eyes, and to watch the ceremony of lighting the Olympic flame Bowl.

The right to start the relay in Smolensk was awarded to Head of the Chief Directorate of Sport in Smolensk region, Eduard Zaenchkovsky. Here, at the entrance of the city, near the monument to the soldiers-liberators the torchbearers were met with the folk song "Slavsya" and the newlyweds, who got married on this day.

People's Artist of RSFSR Sergey Shakurov said that he decided to take part in the Torch Relay in Smolensk because of the special attitude to the native of Smolensk Alexandr Tvardovsky and his famous literary hero Vasily Tyorkin.

The Relay made its way through all the main streets of the Hero-City and its memorable places. At the end of the Relay there was the lighting of the Olympic cauldron in Lenin Square, and a celebration concert. The right to carry the torch at the final stage and ascend with it onto the stage set in the main square of the city, was given to the 1994 Lillehammer Olympic champion Hope Talanova , who, together with the Vice-Governor Lev Platonov, lit the Olympic cauldron.

In his speech Lev Platonov said Smolensk region warmly responded to such a wonderful event: "The Olympic torch relay is a very special phenomenon, filled with incredible energy of sport and youth. Without exaggeration, this is a bright page in the history and life of Smolensk region! Precious Olympic flame, a symbol of Peace, Friendship and Solidarity, united hearts of Smolensk people. Thousands of our countrymen are happy and proud to come out to the streets of Smolensk, to warmly welcome the Olympic flame. For one hundred of Smolensk residents, who are the torchbearers, to touch the sacred symbol has become the highest sports award. The Olympic torch relay is a real feast for all of us. Smolensk residents are very grateful to the organizers of the Relay, thanks to whom this “hot” symbol of the Winter Olympics demonstrated the unity of all the people of our region".

Lev Platonov wished the participants of the Relay success throughout its distance, and our national team - convincing victories in Sochi.

Nadezhda Talanova in her speech addressed to her countrymen said: "I am proud of the honor to take part in the Olympic Torch Relay and heartily thank you for your trust! You know, the excitement I experienced today at the distance, are very much alike to those emotions that you experience when participating in major sporting events ".

With tender feelings and best wishes Smolensk passed the torch relay to the Kaluga region.

The record in its duration (123 days) Olympic Torch Relay began on October, 7 in Moscow and finishes in Sochi on February 7, 2014, the opening day of the Games.