For the first time in Olympic history, American "Community Heroes" are being allowed to carry the Olympic flame in the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay, presented by Coca-Cola.
The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic games is urging Americans to nominate the 5,500 most deserving heroes by Thursday, Nov. 30.To obtain a nomination form, call any United Way office.
A community hero is someone who: performs outstanding volunteer work; serves as a community leader, role model or mentor; performs acts of generosity or kindness; performs extraordinary feats or accomplishments, locally or nationally.
Nominations must be made on an official entry form. Entries will be evaluated by a judging panel. Entry forms must be postmarked by Thursday, Nov. 30, and received by Dec. 8. Send completed forms (with essay) to: 1996 Olympic Torch Relay, P.O. Box 6621, Maple Plain, MN 55593-6621.
Torchbearers must be at least 12 years old by April 27, 1996. A torchbearer segment is 1 kilometer (.62 mile).