July 18, 2021 will mark 25 years since the day the Olympic torch relay went from Roswell through Dunwoody to Sandy Springs, before continuing toward Atlanta.
In the fall of 1995, newspapers across the country announced three ways to become one of 10,000 torch bearers in the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay, which was sponsored by Coca-Cola. In all, 5,500 community heroes would be selected by United Way chapters. An application and essay were required explaining why the nominee was a hero.
The Olympic Torch Relay passes through Dunwoody on Chamblee Dunwoody Road, July 18, 1996. Photos: VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF
Another 2,500 community heroes were selected to participate in the relay as part of the Coca-Cola Share the Spirit program. The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games and the U.S. Olympic committee selected 2,000 present and former Olympians and other VIPs to complete the list of torch bearers.