Torch Relay Update -- Flame Welcomes New Year in Kazan

Day 85 of the Sochi Olympic torch relay concluded in the city of Kazan, where the flame has remained to welcome the new year.

Kazan hosted the 27th Summer Universiade this past July. Young athletes gathered from across the globe to compete in a range of events such as beach volleyball, diving, fencing, and rugby sevens.

Sochi 2014 says, overall, more than 350 torchbearers will participate in the leg of the relay through Kazan including Olympians Vasily Mosin,Yelena Migunova, andSvetlana Demina.

A representative for Sochi 2014 told Around the Rings that the flame concluded a "successful 2013 torch relay experience" with a visit to the Kazan Kremlin on Tuesday.The The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization declared theKazan Kremlin a World Heritage Site in 2000.

On Wednesday, the flame willtake a "well-deserved" day off before it continues the remainder of its 38,525-mile journey in the new year.

The relay resumes in the city ofIzhevsk on Thursday. According to Sochi 2014, organizers have already "approved 153 torchbearers" for the relay route inIzhevsk. The line-up will include Olympic cross-country skierGalina Kulakova.

The flame is making its way back into European Russia, and ultimately Sochi for the 2014 Winter Olympics opening ceremony on February 7.

Home page photo from Sochi 2014

Written byNicole Bennett

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