The Olympic Torch will take a break as it makes its way to the Salt Lake City games in Tacoma’s Theatre on the Square Park from 1:40 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. Jan. 23.

Two past Olympic Gold Medal winning boxers, “Sugar” Ray Seales, 1972 gold medalist, and Leo Randolph, 1976 gold medalist, will join Tacoma’s own torchbearers – chosen for being inspirations to others – or the celebration on Broadway between South 9th and 11th streets.

Mayor Bill Baarsma will address the gathering, a 2002 Salt Lake City Organizing Committee representative will speak and the Foss High School International Choir will sing.

Rotary 8 President Kathy Martin will run the torch by Friendly Chevrolet on First Avenue between G. Street and Tacoma Avenue at 2:30 p.m.

The Stadium High School band will entertain bystanders and the business district will sell hot dogs, apple pie and soda for $1. The neighborhood councils will pass out flags. The torch will end its 49th day in Seattle.

The Olympic Torch is nearing the end of its 65-day journey through the United States to the Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah on Feb. 8.

During its journey, which began in Dec. 4 in Atlanta, Ga., the Olympic Torch will pass through 46 states on a 13,500-mile journey that will feature over 11,500 inspirational torchbearers.

For more information on Pierce County’s leg of the national torch relay and local inspirational torch bearers, visit the Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Commission’s Web site at:

www.tacomasports.com/TorchRelay.htm.