Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay torchbearer nominations are now open
Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) today announced the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay is now accepting torchbearer nominations from the public. Torchbearer nominations recognize Hoosiers who demonstrate exceptional public service, excellence in their profession, acts of heroism or volunteer service to their neighborhood, community, region or state.
“Being selected as an Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay torchbearer is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Hoosiers,” Lt. Governor Ellspermann said. “We look forward to honoring Indiana’s history while also optimistically looking forward to the future during this momentous event for Indiana.”
The online nomination form is available here: http://www.indiana2016.org/torchrelay/nomination-forms/
The nomination period ends on December 31, 2015. Once all nomination forms are collected, a juried nomination process will be employed in each county to select torchbearers. Nomination committees have been formed in each county to manage this process on a county-by-county basis.
“Hoosiers from all walks of life will be torchbearers during the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay,” said Noelle Szydlyk, state director of the relay. “This will be a unifying and inspirational event during our bicentennial year.”
Nominees must be a current or former resident of Indiana or be nominated in honor of a current or former resident. Hoosiers may be nominated posthumously and a substitute torchbearer can be submitted to carry the torch on behalf of the nominee. Nominees can be of any age, but torchbearers that are minors will need to meet other youth torchbearer requirements as outlined on the torchbearer nomination form. A nominee must possess the physical adaptive ability to carry the torch a minimum of a quarter mile. Accommodations will be made for those torchbearers with disabilities. The complete list of torchbearer criteria may be found on the online nomination page.
Developed by IOTD, the relay is patterned after the Olympic Torch Relay and is designed to connect Hoosiers across the state and nation with their home state during the bicentennial year. The torch relay route was charted by a committee of representatives from multiple state agencies and the private sector. The route showcases locations of natural beauty, local interest and/or historic significance to the state.
The Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay will start September 9, 2016 in Corydon, Indiana’s first state capital, and culminate with a celebration October 15, 2016 on the grounds of the statehouse in Indianapolis. The torch relay will touch each of Indiana’s 92 counties during the 2,300 mile journey across the state.
In addition to the selected torchbearers, the relay will also employ other modes of conveyance that are symbolic of the history and heritage of Indiana, including watercraft, farm equipment, a racecar, horse and wagon, antique automobile and others.