Economic Effect of 1994 Winter Olympics: Network Model: Delegating Segments of the National Torch Relay

One of the oldest traditions surrounding the Winter Olympics is the Olympic Torch Relay. The Olympic flame holds ceremonial importance and establishes a strong connection between the original games and the modern Olympics. In 1994, the LOOC decided to add an additional relay to the ceremonial procession that focused on Norway specifically. This additional relay was deemed the National Torch Relay and began in Morgedal, Sondre Norheim's birthplace. Relay participants were average Norwegians and the relay lasted 75 days to induce nationalism. Approximately 1 million viewers witnessed the National Torch Relay and participated in the various cultural activities and events accompanying the relay.

The Norwegian Post designed the route of the National Torch Relay, including 11 stops in 9 different cities and concluding in Lillehammer. Once the route was designed, the Norwegian Post had to decide which Norwegians would cover which sections of the relay.

In an effort to showcase my understanding of network modelings for my Excel modeling project, I created the following hypothetical situation: the Norwegian Post has selected 12 individuals as relay leaders with the responsibility of organizing participants to carry the National Torch from one city to another. The 12 individuals were given a survey asking to rank the legs of the relay in order of personal preference, 1 being the most preferred leg and 12 being the least preferred leg. Theoretically, the most preferred leg would be chosen because of interest in the route, knowledge of the area and connections with other individuals in the area. I created a network model to optimize the delegation of relay portions to maximize the preferences of the 12 individuals in accordance to their survey submissions.

This model was very useful in taking the survey data and assigning the participants to different legs of the National Torch Relay that were closest to their top preferences but still in the best interest of the group. Solutions like the one obtained from the network model are helpful in maintaining a strong relationship between Olympic organizers and volunteers.