World Youth Day Cross and Icon Countdown Begins

Only one month remains before the World Youth Day Cross and Icon grace the shores of Sydney, welcomed by a huge event on Sunday 1 July at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour.

Heralded as the Olympic Torch of World Youth Day, the 3.8m high, 40 kilogram Cross has travelled throughout the world and will arrive in Sydney 1 July for a 12 month journey across Australia.

Sunday 1 July will also be the World premiere of the World Youth Day Sydney (WYD08) theme song, Receive the Power to be performed by Guy Sebastian and Paulini.

Thousands of young Australians are expected to join in an afternoon of celebrations to mark the arrival of the Cross and Icon.

The arrival of the WYD Cross and Icon begins the countdown to the world's largest youth event in Sydney, July 15-20 2008.

WHAT: Arrival of WYD Cross and Icon & Performance of WYD08
Theme Song by Guy Sebastian and Paulini

WHEN: Sunday July 1, from 1:30pm

WHERE: Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour

Details of the Journey of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon, as well as all World Youth Day programs and events, can be found at www.wyd2008.org

World Youth Day is the largest youth event in the world and will attract an anticipated 500,000 pilgrims from around Australia and the world to Sydney from 15-20 July, 2008.

The celebration will also mark the first visit by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Australia.