Do you know someone who is truly inspirational? Someone who always strives to do their best?
Cardiff Council is encouraging members of the community to think about those unsung heroes in their local area who go that extra mile as the search is launched for 8,000 inspirational torchbearers to carry the Olympic Flame on its UK tour ahead of the London 2012 Games next year.
The London 2012 Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has this week launched the nomination process – the Moment to Shine programme – to find the 8,000 torchbearers that will take the iconic flame on its 8,000 mile journey around the country before the cauldron is lit at the Olympic Stadium in London signifying the start of the Games.
Cardiff has been confirmed as a host city for an evening celebration event on Friday May 25, 2012 on the Olympic Torch’s 70-day UK tour and the search is now on for people with inspirational stories to tell the world to be part of the Olympic legacy.
Cardiff Council Leader, Rodney Berman, said: “LOCOG’s Moment to Shine programme is a chance for people in Cardiff to point the spotlight on people they know in their local communities whose personal stories will inspire millions. The programme is a celebration of local heroes and personal achievements, maybe against all odds, so we are encouraging people to think about those they work with, neighbours or friends who strive to do their best and deserve some recognition.
“To carry the Olympic Flame would be an immense honour, a fantastic reward for people’s contribution to their community and an amazing opportunity to be part of the Olympic spirit.
“We are really proud of our involvement in the London 2012 Olympic Games, both as an evening stopover for the torch and as a host city for some of the sporting events. This is a chance for the people of Cardiff to show their pride too in particular individuals by nominating them now.”
Young people in particular are encouraged to get involved in the nomination campaign with half of the torchbearer places expected to go to those aged between 12 and 24 years of age. The Moment to Shine campaign will find 2,012 torchbearers while the rest will be found through programmes run by LOCOG’s three presenting partners later this year.
The nomination portal at www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay will be open until 11.59pm on Wednesday 29 June 2011. Judging panels will be set up in each nation and region of the UK to select the torchbearers for their area.
