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Olympic Torch relay race to tour Yakutia's town of Mirny Friday

On November 10, the relay race will go to Magadan

© ITAR-TASS/Konstantin Lemeshev

YAKUTSK, November 8 (Itar-Tass) - The Olympic Torch relay race is to tour the town of Mirny in the Repulic of Yakutia on Friday and visit the largest diamond mine developing the kimberlite pipe "Mir"(peace).

The capsule with the Olympic flame arrived here on Thursday and was placed for storage at the Treasures of Yakutia Museum which boasts keeping all treasures of the Republic: the largest diamonds produced in the region, gold and platinum nuggets, various figurines and souvenirs made from mamoth bones, a mamoth tusk, as well as exclusive precious adornments made by Yakut craftsmen.

Early in the morning, the Olympic symbol will proceed on its way to the region's diamond capital. Accompanied by BELAZ trucks, the Torch will be lowered into the quarry. Then the relay will be picked up by torchbearers travelling on foot -- prominent sportsmen of the Republic who will carry the Torch through the streets of Mirny. The overall length of the route will be five kilometres and 779 metres. The Torch carrying procession in Mirny will end with a gala concert at the Kimberlite cultural center. On Novmeber 9, the Torch will leave by air for Yakutsk for a phase of the relay race and a ceremony to light the Oympic Flame bowl.

On November 10, the relay race will go to Magadan.

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