The Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay is accepting nominations from the public for torchbearers in each of the state’s 92 counties. Nominations recognize Hoosiers who demonstrate exceptional public service, excellence in their profession, acts of heroism or volunteer service to their neighborhood, community, region or state, according to a news release from the Indiana Office of Tourism Development.
Lt. Gov. Sue Ellsperman calls the honor a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” The relay is patterned after the Olympic Torch Relay. It will start Sept. 9, 2016 in Corydon, which was the state’s first capitol and end Oct. 15, 2016 on the statehouse grounds in Indianapolis. Volunteer coordinators in each county are organizing events to showcase the torch as it passes through their communities. In Pulaski County they include a trip down the Tippecanoe River in a canoe and a stop at the courthouse for a special proclamation.
Nominees must be a current or former resident of Indiana or be nominated in honor of a current or former resident. Hoosiers may be nominated posthumously, and a substitute torchbearer can be submitted to carry the torch on behalf of the nominee. Nominees can be any age Nominees must be a current or former resident of Indiana or be nominated in honor of a current or former resident. Hoosiers may be nominated posthumously and a substitute torchbearer can be submitted to carry the torch on behalf of the nominee. Nominees can be any age, but youth will be subject to additional requirements. All nominees must be able to carry the torch at least a quarter mile. Accommodations will be made for those torchbearers with disabilities. The complete list of torchbearer criteria may be found on the online nomination page.
Nominations are due Dec. 31, 2015, after which torchbearers will be chosen in each county through a juried nomination process. Online applications are available at http://www.indiana2016.org/torchrelay/nomination-forms/. Paper applications are available at the Pulaski County Community Development Commission, located at 623 West 11th St. in Winamac.
