The journey to the 2028 Olympic Torch Relay kicked off Sept. 29 in Atlanta, home of the 1996 Games and the last U.S. Summer Games, as LA28 prepares to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The relay will make history by traveling to all 50 states. Organizers said it will be one of the largest in Olympic history, passing iconic landmarks, stopping at major cultural and sporting events and hosting festival celebrations in select cities.
The flame will be lit in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, before traveling through all 50 states in spring 2028. The full route will be announced in 2027.
The Paralympic Torch Relay will follow the conclusion of the Olympic Games in August 2028, with the flame originating in Stoke Mandeville, United Kingdom, the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement. Its U.S. starting location will be announced later.
"Every Olympic Games begins with a single flame, and carrying that flame to Los Angeles is an honor and privilege that we'll share with every corner of the country," said Casey Wasserman, LA28 chairperson and president.
The flame will return to Atlanta 32 years after the 1996 Games' flame was extinguished.
"Atlanta was proud to carry that flame in 1996. We will be proud to welcome it back," said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.
The relays will be powered by four presenting partners: Coca-Cola, JPMorganChase, Allstate and Xfinity. They represent the deepest level of commercial partner investment. Partners will designate select torchbearers and host stops at partner locations along the route.
Coca-Cola has partnered with the Olympic Movement for nearly a century and first served as a presenting partner of the Olympic Torch Relay at the 1992 Barcelona Games.
"As the journey to LA28 begins, it's meaningful to welcome the flame to Atlanta, the hometown of Coca-Cola for nearly 140 years," said Henrique Braun, CEO of The Coca-Cola Company.
Jennifer Roberts, CEO of Chase Consumer Banking, said supporting the relay reflects the firm's commitment to the customers, clients and communities it serves. Allstate's role builds on more than 20 years of supporting athletes. Comcast, an LA28 founding partner, will showcase Xfinity's broadband and mobile services along the route.
More information on torchbearer nominations and additional partners will be announced in the coming months. For more information, visit https://la28.org/en/torch-relays.html
Edited by SMDP Staff