Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara - Marathon runner Ruyati ran the 26th Southeast Asian Games torch around Komodo Island in East Nusa Tenggara on Wednesday as part of the torch`s journey to Palembang, South Sumatra, where the games will take place.
The torch was flown from Semarang, Central Java, and arrived at Komodo airport in Labuhan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara at 10.15am local time and was immediately taken to Komodo Island.
Accompanying the torch were Sea Games chief executive Rahmad Gobel, Komodo envoy Jusuf Kalla and Komodo Success Committee members.
Before four Komodos the torch was handed over by Rachmad Gobel to East Nusa Tenggara Deputy Governor Esthon L Foenay.
"This is moving. The SEA Games torch was handed over in conjunction with the presentaion of a World Seven Wonders finalist certificete on Komodo Island," Esthon said.
At the Hutan Asam location four Komodos aged around 25 years old witnessed the presence of the SEA Games torch.
Jusuf Kalla received the finalist certificate directly from the New Seven Wonders director, Benard Weber. "Before these komodos I accept the certificate," Kalla said when receiving the certificate.
Jusuf Kalla along with his delegation visited the island as part of the Vote Komodo 9818 campaign to have the island recognized as one of the new World Seven Wonders. (Uu.J004/H-YH/HAJM/A014)
Source: http://www.antaranews.com