Samsung Gulf Electronics reveals region’s olympic torchbearers

Samsung Gulf Electronics Co., a market leader in consumer electronics, and a Presenting Partner of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, today announced the region’s Olympic Torchbearers, thanks to Samsung. The nine inspirational individuals will take part in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to carry the Olympic Flame in the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay in the UK, kicking off the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games. 

The region’s selected Olympic Torchbearers are: Elham Qasimi, the first Arab woman to trek to the North Pole; Simran Vedvyas,Social campaigner and ‘Star’ student at school; Hassanain Anver, founder of an online UAE youth platform; Jalal bin Thaneya, a social advocate for children with special needs; Zed Al Refai, the first Arab to scale Mount Everest; Nada Zeidan, the first female rally driver in the Gulf; Robert Swift, a Marketing Manager from Etisalat; David Butorac, a renowned TV industry hero; and Hani Macki, an environmentalist and founder of the Environment Society of Oman.  

Commenting on the Olympic Torchbearer announcement, Mr. Young Soo Kim, President of Samsung Gulf Electronics, said, “Samsung’s aim this year is for the London 2012 to be Everyone’s Olympic Games.  Samsung’s search around the world, especially in the Gulf region, to find deserving people to carry the Olympic Flame is testament to this ambition. We congratulate all our regional Torchbearers and wish them every success as they carry the Olympic Flame during the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, thanks to Samsung.” 

Samsung searched outside the host nation for deserving members of local communities to carry the Olympic Flame in the Olympic Torch Relay. All London 2012 Olympic Torchbearers have been chosen in recognition of their contribution to local communities and their demonstration of the Olympic spirit. 

Commenting on the Olympic Torchbearer announcement, Zed Al Refai, said: “I was humbled to find out that the accomplishments I achieved were recognized locally and abroad. I hope to do justice to Samsung and my community as I carry the Olympic Flame.” 

Jalal bin Thaneya, an Emirati social advocate who recently walked from the UAE to Mecca to raise funds for children with special needs, said: “My trek to Mecca allowed me to spread my message on children with special needs around the region. Now thanks to Samsung, I will be able to spread my message of hope on the most global platform, the Olympics! I feel very honoured and excited to be given the opportunity to carry the Olympic Flame for my country and for all children with special needs.” 

Simran Vedvyas, the youngest Torchbearer to be selected by Samsung said, “I cannot believe that I will be carrying the Olympic Flame at the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay! It’s absolutely surreal. Now I know why my parents and my teachers always push me to do my best. This is better than anything I could have asked for!” 

Elham Qasimi, first Arab woman to set foot on the North Pole, said, “Every Olympic Torchbearer selected today has a story to tell and Samsung Gulf Electronics listened.  Now, the world will hear our stories as we carry the Olympic Flame that has represented global unity and humanity for centuries and for centuries to come. The Olympics truly is everyone’s games and it’s a dream come true for everyone here.”

Samsung launched its London 2012 campaign “Everyone’s Olympic Games” alongside Samsung’s Global Olympic Marketing Ambassador David Beckham in June 2011 and hopes to offer memorable experiences to more people than ever before. 

The London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay will begin its 70 day journey around the UK on Saturday May 19^th taking in many of the UKs cultural landmarks. Visiting over 1,000 cities, towns and villages along its 8,000 mile route, the Olympic Flame aims to excite the UK and marks the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games upon its celebrated arrival at the Olympic Stadium on July 27^th.