London 2012 Reveals Paralympic Torch Plans

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has announced a new format for the Paralympic Torch Relay, which will lead the UK into the start of the London 2012 Paralympic Games on the evening of Wednesday 29th August 2012.

Presented by BT, Lloyds TSB and Sainsbury’s, the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay will showcase the very best of teamwork by shining a light on those who have worked together to reach a collective goal and the amazing feats that have been achieved as a result of individuals combining their skills and abilities. Building on the traditional Torch Relay format, the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay programme will begin on Friday 24th August 2012 with the first flame lighting event to be held in London.

Over the Bank Holiday weekend, Greater Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff will each host a flame lighting moment and an evening Paralympic Flame Festival. Each of the four flames will be lit by the energy of physical human endeavour, with each place creating its unique method of lighting. The flame lighting method for each nation will be announced closer to the time of the Paralympic Torch Relay next year.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: ‘Day after day our Paralympians show the energy of human endeavour both on and off the sporting field of play. By lighting the flame which heralds the start of their competition through the energy of human endeavour, the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay is a tribute to their inspirational stories of courage and determination and a celebration of teamwork right across the UK.’

‘Today we welcome BT, Lloyds TSB and Sainsbury’s to the Paralympic Torch Relay team as our presenting partners. Each of the three organisations has a great history of community involvement and we are thrilled to be working with them to ignite people’s excitement ahead of 11 days of fantastic Paralympic sport.’