The virtual torch relay will give anyone the chance to be a part of the Games and participate in the inaugural Winter Youth Olympics, which get underway on January 13, running until January 22.

"The Virtual Youth Olympic Torch Relay gives people from all continents and cultures the chance to 'be part of it', to become a part of the 1st Winter Youth Olympic Games, to spread the Olympic Spirit across the globe and accompany the torch on its journey to Innsbruck," said Innsbruck 2012 chief executive Peter Bayer.

The relay will come to an end on December 27, the same day that the Youth Olympic torch relay begins its journey through Austria, before returning to Innsbruck for the lighting of the Youth Olympic Flame in the Bergisel stadium for the opening ceremony.

Anyone registered on facebook can take part in the virtual relay, so long as they have "liked" the Innsbruck 2012 page on the social networking site.

All those taking part will be automatically entered into a prize draw for the chance to be part of the actual torch relay which is due to begin on December 17 in Athens, Greece.

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