Samsung torch bearers leave luminous mark in Muscat

Muscat was chosen to be on the 2008 Olympic Torch relay map, making it the only Middle Eastern capital amongst international cities to host the relay.

As the Olympic Torch Relay crossed the Omani Capital, a series of festivities and traditional Omani folklore dancing took place as people from over the world came together to cheer for the Olympic Flame.

Amongst a renowned selection of eighty athletes, artists, media personnel and business men from around the world passing along the flame, Samsung's torch bearers included Omani singer Salah Zadjali, Syrian actress Sulaf Fawakherji, Captain of the Qatari National Football League Saad Al Shemmari, Saudi sports reporter in Al Arabiya TV Batal Al Qaws, A partner in 'Sarco' the official distributor for Samsung's products in Oman, Mohammed Mansoor and Managing Director of Mustafa Sultan the official distribute for Samsung' mobile phones Minoo Saher carried the Olympic Dream throughout Muscat.

Under the slogan of 'Light the Passion, Share the Dream', Samsung's Torch Bearers embarked on a 'Journey of Harmony' which started at Al Bustan roundabout in the eastern part of the coast city, where lies the duplicate of an ancient Omani wooden boat that sailed to China more than 1,000 years ago.

The 20-km-long route of the torch relay, took off at 5:00PM on April 14, stretched along the coast, old Muscat and ended at Al Qurum Natural Park in central Muscat where the grand celebrations where held.

Mr. Ranjan Mazmudar, Vice President of Samsung Gulf Electronics commented: 'Samsung is proud to have witnessed such a successful torch relay and shared the excitement of the Oman Torch Relay with the beloved Omani citizens and our terrific torch bearers'.

He added: 'We are overwhelmed by the passion and support that the Omani people have shown for hosting this relay and we would like to congratulate Muscat and its people for hosting such a significant event. We are extremely proud of our six torchbearers who have truly reflected what the Olympic Torch relay is all about. We have all lived a tremendous experience that will stay with us for years to come. We look forward to the Olympic Flame's upcoming routes, till it reaches its final destination Beijing which will mark the start of the Olympic Games for 2008'.

The Olympic Torch Relay in Muscat represented a unique opportunity for Samsung's torch bearers to witness the most prestigious sporting symbol, the Olympic Flame, up close and in person.

Samsung is proud of its continuous contribution to the Olympic Movement and has been a Worldwide Olympic Partner in the wireless communications category since 1997 and first sponsored the Olympic Torch Relay in 2004 prior to the Summer Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.

Samsung has constantly shown support of a broad range of sporting events that truly reflects the company's commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and global friendship.