The London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay will showcase the very best of teamwork and shine a light on the Paralympic Games.
London 2012 announces plans for the Paralympic Torch Relay
15 Sep 2011
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) today announced plans for the Paralympic Torch Relay to lead the UK into the start of the London 2012 Paralympic Games on the evening of Wednesday 29 August 2012.
Students from three schools in the Get Set network (Ickburgh school, St Scholasticas primary school and Northwold primary school from Hackney) took part in the event. The students created their very own lanterns inspired by the London 2012 Paralympic Games. They also got to explore the Aquatics centre with Seb Coe Chair of LOCOG, and meet some inspirational Paralympians.
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.
- Four separate flames will be lit in London, Greater Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff
- A special ceremony will take place to bring the flames together to create the Paralympic Flame to be held at Stoke Mandeville, home of the Paralympic Movement
- A Paralympic Flame Festival will be held in each nation of the UK
- There will be a 24 hour overnight Torch Relay from Stoke Mandeville to Stratford for the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games
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.
In addition to the lighting events there will be a series of evening celebrations called Flame Festivals. In preparation for these Flame Festivals, lantern making workshops will be held on that day and earlier in the summer. People from all communities can participate in the Flame Festival lantern procession accompanied by specially selected Torchbearers.
The four flames will be combined at the special ceremony at Stoke Mandeville on Tuesday 28 August to create the London 2012 Paralympic Flame. Later that evening, there will be a 24 hour Torch Relay from Stoke Mandeville to journey the Paralympic Flame to London for the opening of the Paralympic Games.
580 Torchbearers working in teams of five will carry the Paralympic Flame towards the Stadium to light the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Details about how Torchbearers will be selected are to be announced at a later date.
