MEDIA  RELEASE 

WHAT:  Announcement regarding the Human Rights Torch Relay
WHEN:  Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE:  Tournament of Roses, 391 So. Orange Grove, Pasadena, Ca 91105

WHY:  To demonstrate to the Tournament of RosesAssociation and the City of Pasadena that Beijing should not be allowed to present an Olympic float and divert attention from its promise to the International Olympics Committee that China will improve human rights for its denizens.

The Human Rights Torch relay has now been carried by citizens in 30 European countries since the relay began in Athens.  Presently, the torch is in Great Britain and it is expected that the torch will arrive in Pasadena in time for the January, 2008 Rose Parade.

Former president of the Czech Republic , Mr. Vaclav Havel, stated on Sept. 5, 2007 that "I support the human rights torch activity, I think this is the hope of our world. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) put huge investments and prepared lots of Olympics projects to cover its persecution of human rights. CCP didn't fulfill the commitment made in the process of Olympic application, that is to improve China 's human rights. Hence, it is extremely necessary to make the CCP obey with this promise now."

Torch carrier Pelle Pettersson, Swedish Olympic medalist in sailing, 1964 and 1972, stated, "When one hears about how serious the situation is in China , and there is a possibility to influence the Chinese authorities through activities like this so that the lives of the people can improve, I will definitely support it."

Martin Bursik, Vice-Premier of the Czech Republic, stated "... from their position, the athletes should call attention to human rights abuses-in addition, as persons of note, they can do it very effectively. For example, they can talk to the reporters before they depart for Olympics and also in China itself." -