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| 23 May 2013 |
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| Olympic Torch Set to Light Up Banbridge District 10 May 2012 Banbridge District is proud to play its part in the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay as the Olympic Flame passes through Gilford and Banbridge on Tuesday 5 June 2012. Council Chairman Councillor Joan Baird wants the entire district to welcome the flame as it travels through both towns. “We are delighted to confirm that on 5 June the Olympic Flame will reach Banbridge District. Torchbearers will carry the Olympic Flame through the main streets of Gilford and Banbridge and I’m urging the entire district both young and old to come out and support this fantastic accolade for the district. Starting at 3pm there will be plenty of entertainment on the streets for all the family to enjoy including jugglers, stilt walkers and music. This will be a perfect opportunity to see the Olympic Flame and witness the spectacle of the Olympic Torch Relay. It will provide a chance for community celebrations and sharing in the Olympic spirit and will mark the countdown to the start of the Games.” Gilford and Banbridge are just two of over 1,000 villages, towns and cities announced by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) through which the Olympic Flame will be carried by Torchbearers during the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, which is supported by Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung. LOCOG has worked closely with representatives from a number of sectors in the Banbridge District to devise the route. Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: ‘We are thrilled to confirm that Gilford and Banbridge will act as host locations for the Olympic Flame, extending an invitation to people in these communities 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 the Banbridge District to show their support for the inspirational Torchbearers chosen to carry the Olympic Flame as we count down to the start of the Olympic Games. The 70-day Olympic Torch Relay will start at Land’s End, Cornwall on the morning of 19 May 2012. On leaving Land’s End, the Olympic Flame will travel an estimated 8,000 miles around the UK giving thousands of communities and individuals their moment to shine as the Olympic Flame comes to a place near them. In announcing the villages, towns and cities LOCOG has achieved their goal of taking the Olympic Flame to within an hour’s journey time of 95% of the population. In fact, over 95% of the population will be within just 10 miles of the Olympic Flame during its journey around the UK. 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. On the final day of the Olympic Torch Relay the Olympic Flame will travel down the River Thames as it makes its way to the Olympic Stadium on 27 July 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Contact: Leisure and Development Department Banbridge District Council T: 028 4066 0605 |
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