Mayor John DeStefano Jr. and the New Haven community honored five individuals Wednesday who will represent the city as Olympic torchbearers this December.

Two New Haven residents will join two people from North Haven and one from Shelton in carrying the Olympic flame through New Haven on Wednesday, Dec. 26. Over 11,500 people nationwide will carry the torch on its two month, 46-state journey.

DeStefano’s spokesperson, James Foye, said the arrival of the torch will be an exciting moment for the city.

“The mayor is proud that the torch will pass through New Haven and proud the New Haven community is involved,” Foye said. “This brings New Haven into the national community.”

DeStefano was joined at the ceremony by representatives from Coca-Cola and Chevrolet, sponsors of the Olympic Torch Relay.

The 2002 relay will begin in Atlanta on Dec. 4 and embark on a 65 day, 13,500 mile journey. The flame will reach its destination at Olympic Stadium in Salt Lake City on Feb. 8, 2002.

–Yale Daily News