Olympic torch bearers wanted

The Olympic Torch Relay route is coming to Coventry and Warwickshire, and Stratford-on-Avon Council is inviting residents to nominate potential torchbearers.

The London Olympics torch relay begins on 19 May 2012 at Land's End and ends 70 days later at the opening ceremony in the Olympic Stadium.

Birmingham and Coventry will be hosting evening celebrations on 30 June and 1 July 2012 and there is a good chance that the torch could well pass near to Stratford-upon-Avon as it travels on. The Olympic Flame will travel right around the UK and the aim is to have Torchbearers carrying it as near to their local area as possible, so friends and family can cheer them on.

Cllr Chris Saint, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council says: “Stratford-upon-Avon would provide a fitting backdrop for the Torch given our cultural links with the location of the 2012 Olympics in London and I am hopeful that it will pass nearby.

"I would encourage residents and community groups from Stratford-on-Avon District to nominate people for consideration as bearers to carry the Torch as it journeys through the Midlands. For many people it will be their only opportunity in a lifetime to see the Olympic flame and for that reason I hope that they will take the chance to become involved."

The London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) is looking for nominations for inspirational runners to carry the Torch.  For details of how to make nominations go to http://www.london2012.com/games/olympic-torch-relay. Nominees should be at least 12 and have achieved something significant in their chosen field or interest which could serve to inspire others. Nominations close 29 June 2011

Final details of the route that the Torch will take will be announced later this year.