The route of the Olympic Flame Relay through Richmond upon Thames has now been announced.
On the 24 and 27 July, residents will be able to welcome the Olympic Flame and celebrate the achievements of the inspirational Torchbearers in the community.
On the 24 July the torch will enter the borough at Ham Parade, travel along Petersham Road to Richmond and leave via Kew Bridge. On the 27 July, it will travel by River up the Thames. Event organisers LOCOG have launched a website where residents can view the route in full, giving street-by-street details and proposed start times. Available at: www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay
The Torchbearers include those that were successful through the public nomination processes run by LOCOG and their partners.
Kate Filochowski, from Twickenham, was nominated to carry the torch by her friends because of her commitment to working with local youth hockey teams. She said:
“To me, the Olympics represent and embody the very best that people can be - whoever you are and wherever you're from - striving for excellence in sport. The Games are an incredible celebration of life through sport: the peak of competitiveness and performance, but all in a spirit of peace, friendship and respect.
“The Olympic flame is the embodiment of that spirit in a way. It will be the greatest honour of my life to be part of it here in Twickenham; to carry the flame for a short way on its journey really is a dream come true.”
Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG added:
‘Today we bring the Olympic Torch Relay to life. The Flame symbolises the Olympic spirit and its journey around the UK will bring the excitement of the Games to our streets. Now the people know the route the Olympic Flame will be carried along they can start planning how they might celebrate and make it Richmond upon Thames’ moment to shine.’
To see the route – go to: www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay to find out more information about the events in the borough, go to: www.richmond.gov.uk/richmond_upon_thames_2012
