Olympic Games 29th July – 12th August 2012
Paralympic Games 29th August – 9th September 2012
When will the Torch Relay take place?
There will be TWO torch relays: one for the Olympics the other for the Paralympics
Olympic Torch Relay
Torch will arrive directly from Greece around mid May 2012
It will travel nationally for 60 – 80 days
The final 5-7 days will be in and around London
4 days allocated per nation
3 days in each region (realistically looking at 1 day in Leicestershire)
Paralympic Torch Relay
Will cover a shorter period: 5 – 7 days
Will not replicate the Olympic Torch Relay
Be more event based
What route is it likely to take?
LOCOG stress that the route has NOT been decided
What has been agreed is that the route will travel where 95% of the population will be within 1hr travelling time from the flame
This will include areas of high density population (Cities)
Areas of sporting significance
Rural areas and those of outstanding natural beauty
Historic landmarks
Schools & Live Sites
Convoy will cover approx 130 miles each day
What does the convoy include and need?
Main crew of 250 (requiring accommodation and catering)
Total 45 vehicles (convoy can be as long as half a mile in length)
Vehicle overnight cleaning and policing / security
7-8,000 torch bearers (approx 100 per day, each completes about 300m)
60+ evening events / celebrations
Will use alternative modes of transport
Convoy uniforms have been commissioned but the Torch Design will go out to tender on CompeteFor in early April 2010 – opportunity for Leicestershire Creative Businesses to bid
EDF are already working on the sustainable design of the flame
Torchbearer list – national application process for torch bearers: they want local people from local communities with a story to tell and also celebrities etc
For more information, please visit the following sites:
http://www.london2012.com/games/ceremonies/index.php
