“SLOVENIAN TORCH: ON THE WAY TO TOKYO” PROJECT

 

PRESS RELEASE

Ljubljana, 19 April 2021 – At today's virtual press conference that was organized by the Olympic Committee of Slovenia – Association of Sports Federations (OCS - ASF) and held on the STA online discussion platform, the “Slovenian torch on the way to Tokyo” project, in which the SIJ – Slovenian Steel Group is an important partner, was presented to the public.

The project aims to promote the upcoming Olympic games that will take place in July and August in Japan and is part of the activities organized  by OCS - ASF under the slogan “We have Olympic dreams. We have Tokyo.”

The Slovenian torch is made of SIJ Group recycled steel and wood and is unique in terms of shape and symbolic meaning. The press conference opened with a video about the Slovenian torch, which is available here: Slovenian torch for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics made of SIJ Group recycled steel.

The participants of the virtual project presentation were addressed by Bogdan Gabrovec, President of OCS - ASF: "The preparations for the Olympic Games are underway with great enthusiasm and a strong motivation to make it possible for as many Slovenian athletes from different sports and disciplines as possible to participate. There were attempts to impact the Slovenian athletic culture in larger urban centers in the past, but this project pursues the goal to bring the Olympic spirit to all local communities. The essence lies in bringing everyone together instead of keeping apart, as it is the local communities that give rise to top notch athletic achievements.”

The SIJ Group, which aims to awaken the mind of steel under the Mind of Steel brand and together with its ambassador Petra Majdič, is also an OCS - AFS sponsor; their cooperation gave rise to an exceptional idea of spreading the values of Olympism and awakening the mind of steel with a special torch, the Slovenian torch: “With the Slovenian torch for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the SIJ Group is paying tribute to the people of Ravne and all steelmakers for their contribution to the 400-year tradition of a successful steel industry. Steel is a widely used material in all areas of human life, including sports and sports infrastructure, so this connection made a lot of sense to us. The torch is made of recycled stainless steel in line with the principles of circular economy; combined with wood, it gives the torch a unique look. It draws on a powerful narrative: steel symbolizes strength and durability, while beech symbolizes wisdom and confidence. This is the message we want to convey to the world. The torch is decorated with a steel crown – the top of Triglav, as well as five steel rings – Olympic rings that represent unity. At the top, there is a light that gives hope.” Mag. Sara Wagner, Head of SIJ Group Corporate Communications

Anyone holding the torch will be able to feel the mind of steel and a symbol of what it means to be Slovenian. Last but not least, the torch itself is a symbol of strength, wisdom, connection and hope.

The Slovenian torch will be officially born on Thursday, 22 April 2021, in Ravne na Koroškem, at the heart of the steel industry – SIJ Metal Ravne. Upon its construction, the torch will be given a mind of steel by Petra Majdič and thus start its journey through all 212 Slovenian municipalities.

The torch ambassador, Urška Žolnir Jugovar, will help carry the Olympic spirit around Slovenia, accompanied by many young runners – torchbearers.

“I am very proud to be an ambassador of the Slovenian Torch project. I will be attending quite a few events and I warmly invite everyone to join us online if not in person. Bringing communities together will now begin and continue – up until its climax, the opening of the Olympic Games. Together, we can do it, bringing everyone together is what makes us stronger, allows us to grow mentally and pushes us towards greatness.” Urška Žolnir Jugovar, Slovenian Torch Ambassador

With its exceptional energy, the torch will bring together the whole of Slovenia. Making sure that the flame will not go out will be the job of all torchbearers, as well as everyone who will share positive thoughts and be part of the Slovenian Torch.

“This is a project that brings together various OCS - AFS activities, top athletes who will realize their Olympic dreams in Tokyo, as well as young runners to inspire them to nurture these dreams so that they too will one day walk in these footsteps. On the other hand, the Slovenian Torch project also brings together fans and sports enthusiasts from all across Slovenia. We will also join forces with the Slovenian Paralympic Committee.” Taja Škorc, OCS - AFS representative.

You can follow current events about the Slovenian Torch project on the https://bakla.olympic.si website and on social networks with the help of #slovenskabakla, #jeklenavolja and #imamotokio hashtags.

 

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The Slovenian torch will be officially born on Thursday, 22 April 2021, in Ravne na Koroškem, at the heart of the steel industry – SIJ Metal Ravne. Upon its construction, the torch will be given

a mind of steel by Petra Majdič and thus start its journey through all 212 Slovenian municipalities. Anyone holding the torch will be able to feel the mind of steel and a symbol of what it means to be Slovenian.

Last but not least, the torch itself is a symbol of strength, wisdom, connection and hope.

                                                                         A new press release and photo/video material to follow.

 

 

 

 

 

More information:

SIJ – Slovenian Steel Group, d.d.

Mag. Sara Wagner, Head of Corporate Communications

Phone: +386 1 242 98 27

Mobile: +386 41 313 532

Email: sara.wagner@sij.si