It is estimated that the Olympic Torch will travel over 8,000 miles before lighting the final beacon to begin the 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games – some of those miles will include the Borough of Ballymena
On the 7th June 2012 the Olympic flame will be carried through Ballymena as part of the Torch Relay around the world, on average 110 torch bearers will carry the flame each day over the 70 day relay and 8,000 inspiring Torch Bearers will have the opportunity to take centre stage, each with a personal story of achievement
Ballymena is one of over 1000 villages, towns and cities announced by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic & Paralympic Games through which the Olympic Flame will be carried
The London Organising Committee has worked closely with a number of sectors in Ballymena to devise the route
Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: ‘We are thrilled to confirm that Ballymena will act as a host location for the Olympic Flame, extending an invitation to people in Ballymena to welcome the Relay during its journey around the UK. This is the UK’s moment to shine and I want to encourage people across the Borough of Ballymena to start planning how they can be part of this once in a lifetime opportunity and show their support for the inspirational Torch Bearers chosen to carry the Flame as we count down to the start of the Olympic Games
Councillor Hubert Nicholl, Mayor of Ballymena stated: ’We are over the moon to be chosen as part of the Olympic Torch Relay Route and I know the people of this Borough will be out in their thousands to support this event and welcome the flame. How many of us will ever get the chance to see this unique event – right on our own doorstep! The 7th June will be a very proud day for our Borough. We look forward to supporting our local Torch Bearers and this opportunity to shine a light on our Borough.’
The 70 day Olympic Torch Relay, will start at Lands’ End, Cornwall on the morning of the 19th May 2012. On leaving Lands’ End the flame will through the UK including the Giants Causeway and many other local landmarks before making its way to the Olympic Stadium in London to begin the Opening Ceremony on 27 July.
Details of all the local Torch Bearers will be announced in February 2012 and full details and updates of the Torch Relay are available on www.london2012.com/olympic-torch-relay
Further details on the Ballymena part of the Relay will be available from Rosalind Lowry, Ballymena Borough Council – 028 25 635900