COULD a local hero from Westbury carry the Olympic Torch as it makes its way to London next year? The search is on to find 8,000 Olympic torchbearers and everyone is invited to nominate “truly inspiration” local people to carry the torch. The route of the relay will go through Wiltshire.
The Olympic flame will arrive in Britain on 18th May 2012 and will be carried around Britain for 70 days on its route to London. Organisers say they are looking for people who has made a real difference to their school or local community, has been an inspirational character, or shown respect and fair play to those around them. Half of the total number of torchbearer places are expected to go to people aged between 12 and 24 years of age who are considered leading lights in their local communities.
The detailed daily route will be confirmed later this year, but it is aimed that 95% population will be within an hour’s journey of seeing the torch. The nomination portal at www.london2012.com/ olympictorchrelay asks nominators for up to 150 words on why their nominee should carry the Olympic Flame. Judging panels will be set up in each nation and region of the UK to select the torchbearers for their area. Nominations need to be made before Wednesday 29th June.
A list of the first confirmed locations for the torch has been released and Salisbury is one of the 66 evening celebration locations around the UK. In addition to the locations confirmed on the route so far, many other cities, towns, villages and places of outstanding natural beauty, sports venues and community hubs will be announced in a second, more detailed route announcement later this year that will confirm the many other places the Olympic flame will visit on each day of the relay.
Jane Scott, leader Wiltshire Council said, “We are so pleased that our county has been chosen as we have worked hard for over 18 months with the organising committee to secure Wiltshire’s part in the 2012 Games.
