The president of the Dominican Olympic Committee (COD), Dr. Jose Joaquín Puello, presented the two Dominicans who will carry the Olympic torch on its way to Atlanta to the news media. Carlos Martinez, who is a member of the national basketball team (which did not qualify for the 1996 games) and runner Ariele Puente, the champion in track and field in the inter-scholastic games of Santo Domingo, have been selected to represent the D.R. in the carrying of the Olympic symbol. Miss Puente and Mr. Martinez will be two of the approximately 500 athletes from over 80 nations, who will carry the torch, which they will do on its way through New York State.