18 Semi-Finalists for 2008 Beijing Olympic Torch

Lenovo, a worldwide leader in the PC market, announced the 18 finalists selected from 6000 applications to compete for the chance to participate in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay for Torch Bearers. Lenovo launched the torchbearer search program with assistance from Google to find ‘new thinkers’ from around the world to run the torch in China. This is the longest Olympic Torch Relay in history with more cities visited than any past Games.

The final selection of the torchbearers is now in your hands. Visitors to www.Lenovo.com/torch can help decide who will become 1 of the 3 potential torchbearer nominees. Each of the finalists submitted a 30 second video demonstrating the most imaginative and innovative way they would participate in the Olympic Torch Relay, indicative of what makes them a ‘new thinker.’

Voting comes to a close at 10 a.m. EST on October 24, 2007. The top 3 contestants to receive votes will be announced mid-November and nominated by Lenovo to participate as torchbearers in the historic China portion of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay.

Underscoring the global nature of the contest, the finalists are from 8 countries including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, and the United States. They are athletes, teachers, artists, filmmakers and even former Olympians.

“As a worldwide partner of the Olympic Torch Relay, we are very excited to bring torchbearer opportunities to the general public. This is an innovative approach to torchbearer nomination,” said Deepak Advani, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Lenovo. “Using Google’s search and hosting platforms, we have identified 18 people to have the chance to demonstrate their Olympic spirit with a 30-second video. When it comes to ‘new thinkers,’ Lenovo is looking for someone who finds creative solutions to bring about global change. This is a unique opportunity to make someone a part of Olympic history.”

• Motivating – One who inspires the community to achieve goals and conquer obstacles
  
• Provocative – One who disregards traditional boundaries in carrying out a great and difficult endeavor


• Imaginative – One who thinks ‘outside the box’ – outside of national and cultural limitations


• Individualistic – One who demonstrates independence in both their thoughts and their actions


• Explorative – One who seeks new ways of doing and achieving

To show appreciation for ‘New Thinkers’ registering in the campaign, Lenovo managed weekly promotions to award them Lenovo Olympic pins and Olympic Torch-themed notebook PCs. Lenovo, winner of multiple awards in PC design, is also the designer of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch.

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