The Organising Committee for the Games, due to take place from July 3 to 14, is looking for people to take part in the Torch Relay in South Korea.

"The Torch Relay is the symbolic beginning of the Universiade Games as the Flame passes through the host country," read a Gwangju 2015 statement.

"The aim is to increase goodwill towards the World University Games and get as many residents involved as possible."

The Torch Relay is scheduled to be a 41-day journey from Paris to Gwangju, starting on May 26 and finishing at the Universiade Opening Ceremony in July.

It will take in 3,569 kilometres by airplane and will travel a total of 131km on land, while sculpting the word Gwang - or light - to celebrate the Games slogan of "Light Up Tomorrow".

It is expected that there will be some 2,960 Torchbearers for the relay.

In order to be eligible to become a Torchbearer, the applicant must be at least 14 years of age - born before December, 31, 2001 - and should be able to run a 200-300 metres segment on the assigned day.

Some 2,960 Torchbearers are expected to take part in the Gwangju 2015 relay
©Gwangju 2015


Groups and organisations can also apply.

Applications for Torchbearers will be open on the official Gwangju 2015 website or through local borough and Government offices from today until February 13.

The Torchbearers will be notified on March 3 and will be expected to rehearse the relay routes from April to May.

Gwangju 2015 said it is planning to provide uniforms, running shoes, and souvenirs for all participants running in the relay.

The Games are expected to feature more than 12,000 participants from over 170 nations.

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