North Ossetia cuts Olympic Torch Relay for safety reasons

The Olympic Torch Relay in North Ossetia has been shortened for safety reasons and will be held on January 30 at the "Spartak" Stadium in Vladikavkaz, said the Ministry of Youth Matters, Physical Culture and Sports of North Ossetia.

The Olympic Torch Relay "Sochi-2014" is the longest and most large-scale in the history of Winter Games. It was launched on October 7, 2013, and will end on February 7, 2014, the opening day of the 22nd Winter Olympic Games. The Olympic flame will visit the capitals of all the 83 subjects of the Russian Federation.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was informed at the above Ministry that they had already prepared a provisional scenario of meeting the Olympic flame.

The number of torchbearers in North Ossetia was cut more than fourfold against the initial 90 persons. As explained by the Ministry, the decision was made taken by the Federal Organizing Committee of the Games. After the last torchbearer runs around the stadium, he will take to the stage, along with the head of the republic Taimuraz Mamsurov, where the Olympic flame will be fired.

On January 29, the Olympic Torch Relay will take place in Ingushetia; it is planned that two cities of the republic – Magas and Nazran – will host it.