Let's welcome the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay to Lichfield!
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has announced that Streethay, Lichfield and Hopwas are just three of over 1,000 villages, towns and cities through which the Olympic Flame will travel.
Carried by more than 8000 Torchbearers, the Flame will travel the length and breadth of the country as part of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.
Sebastian Coe, London 2012 Organising Committee Chair, said: ‘We are thrilled to confirm that Lichfield District will act as host location for the Olympic Flame, and we extend an invitation to people in Lichfield District to welcome the Olympic Torch Relay during its journey around the UK.
“This is the UK’s moment to shine and I want to encourage people across Lichfield District to start planning how they can be part of this exciting opportunity and show their support for the inspirational Torchbearers chosen to carry the Olympic Flame, as we count down to the start of the Olympic Games.”
In announcing the villages, towns and cities LOCOG has realised the aspiration of taking the Olympic Flame to within an hour’s journey time of 95% of the population. In fact, more than 95% of the population will be within just ten miles of the Olympic Flame next summer.
The Olympic Flame will be carried across the UK by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers each of whom will have a story of personal achievement and/or contribution to the local community. In December this year, successful nominees will be contacted with a conditional offer and final Torchbearer places will start to be confirmed from February 2012 onwards.
“The Olympic Torch Relay will shine a spotlight on the people and places of Lichfield District and demonstrate that the Olympic spirit is alive and well,” added Cllr Richards.
Regular updates about the day’s festivities will be posted to the council’s website at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/2012, so make sure you check back to see how you can be involved in this exciting day.