Cardiff has been confirmed as one of the cities to host the Paralympic Torch Relay which will lead the UK into the start of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
The relay will begin on Friday 24 August, 2012 with the first flame lighting event to be held in London. A flame will also be lit in Greater Belfast on 25 August and Edinburgh 26 August as well as in Cardiff on 27 August 2012.
Our city is the final host city before a special ceremony is held at at Stoke Mandeville, home of the Paralympic Movement, on 28 August to create the Paralympic Flame before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium in time for the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games on Wednesday 29 August, 2012.
The event will take place in Cardiff on Monday 27 August, 2012 and will involve a flame lighting moment in the morning followed by a Paralymic Flame Festival later in the day.
Cardiff is honoured to be a pre-games training camp for several Paralympic teams from South Africa, Australia and the Oceanic Islands as they make their preparations in the lead up to London 2012.
The city has been selected due to its excellent sporting facilities and infrastructure, professional approach of staff and the general friendliness of the people of Cardiff and Wales.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Rodney Berman said: ”Having Cardiff chosen as one of only four cities to host the Paralympic Torch Relay is a great achievement.
“This celebration will showcase our heritage and culture as we send the flame on its way to the opening of the Games.
“In 2003 we granted the freedom of the city to Tanni Grey-Thompson, an honour for people with remarkable distinction in sport.
“Cardiff is committed to providing disability provision in many different sports and as part of the London 2012 Games legacy and I hope this inspires future Paralympians from the city.
“Pre-Games training camps ahead of London 2012 will not only provide economic, cultural, educational and sporting opportunities for the city, it will also cement Cardiff’s status on the international sporting map.”
Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells said: “The run up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games is hugely exciting and we are very proud to be hosting the Paralympic Torch Relay and Flame Festival here in Cardiff.
“Our city is playing a vital role in London 2012 and these preparations allow the people of Cardiff the opportunity to be inspired and have an active involvement in what will be an international sporting spectacle. “
Housing, Regernation and Heritage Minister, Huw Lewis, said: “I’m delighted that we are able to welcome the Paralympic Torch Relay to Cardiff in August next year.
“Lighting the flame and the Flame Festival should be an inspirational event for all concerned and provides a real opportunity for the people of Cardiff and Wales to get involved and be a part of sending the flame on its way to the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games.”
Presented by BT, Lloyds TSB and Sainsbury’s, the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay will showcase the very best of teamwork by shining a light on those who are working together to reach a collective goal and the amazing feats that have been achieved as a result of individuals combining their skills and abilities.
Each of the four flames will be lit by the energy of physical human endeavour, with each city creating its unique method of lighting. The Flame lighting mechanic for Cardiff will be announced closer to the time of the Paralympic Torch Relay next year.
