Doha, 13 July 2006 - The Doha 2006 Torch Relay today launched the official media accreditation process online and through the Doha 2006 Torch Relay Team Offices or the National Olympic Committees in the 15 countries and regions participating in the Torch Relay.
Doha 2006 Torch Relay is now accepting applications for Media 1, an open backed vehicle that will travel in front of the Torchbearer. Expressions of Interest are also being sought from Media for seats on the Torch Relay aircraft for a sector of the Relay.
"Local and international media will be an integral part of the overall success of the Relay, following the journey on the ground", said Sharif Hashisho, Director, Ceremonies & Cultural Events. "As well as attending press conferences and official celebrations in each city, media will have the chance to be a part of the excitement and thrill of the Relay", he added.
Following a Flame Lighting Ceremony in Doha, Qatar on 8 October, the Torch Relay will travel to India, Korea, Philippines, Japan, PR China, Macau-China, Hong Kong-China, Indonesia, Thailand, IR Iran, Oman, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Bahrain before returning to Qatar, the host country of the 15th Asian Games on 25 November. Following seven days in Qatar, the Torch will light the cauldron at Khalifa Stadium and officially open the Games on 1 December.
In order for the media to capture the energy and spectacle of the longest Relay in Asian Games History, an online accreditation system has been set up to ensure all media have the opportunity to cover this incredible event
"All media approved for accreditation during the Torch Relay will have access to the Media Vehicle offering a prime position to cover the Torchbearer", Mr Hashisho added, "but with limited places available we encourage media to apply as soon as possible by completing the form on the Torch Relay section at www.doha-2006.com".
The Doha 2006 Torch Relay Team is also offering a unique opportunity to major international broadcast and print networks to join the Relay Team on the Torch Relay aircraft for one of the Relay sectors. Photographers and television camera persons will be transferred to the Media Vehicle to capture the action on the ground.
Media seats on the aircraft are very limited so media outlets are requested to indicate their interest and sector by 7 August 2006 by completing the Expression of Interest Form on the Torch Relay web site. Media Applications can be made on-line, or via email or fax.
"The eyes of the world will follow the Torch Relay through the local and international media and we are proud to show the very best of our spirit and culture to the rest of Asia and the world through the Games' Torch" Mr Hashisho concluded.
-Ends-
For more information about the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006, please contact:
The Pre-Games Media Centre
Hotline: +974 4383833 (from 8am until 6pm - Doha time)
Email: media@dagoc2006.org
For more information about the Doha 2006 Torch Relay, please contact:
Katrina de Jersey,
Head of Torch Relay Media and PR
Office: +974 448 1417,
Mobile: +974 513 7150 or
email: kdejersey@dagoc2006.org
© Press Release 2006
