Next Stage of Paralympic Torchbearer Nominations Starts This Week

Each of our Paralympians has an inspirational story of courage and determination. In tribute to this, the Paralympic Torch Relay will look to recognize unique talent and some of the amazing feats that teams of people across the UK have achieved."

The next stage of the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay Torchbearer nomination process will start this week.

BT, one of the three presenting partners for the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay, will launch its public nomination campaign Tuesday (13 December).

On 28 and 29 August 2012, the 580 successful Torchbearers, who will work in teams of five, will carry the Paralympic Flame during an overnight relay from Stoke Mandeville to the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games at the Stadium in Stratford, East London.

Successful nominees will have displayed the Paralympic values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality to make a difference or push the boundaries of what is achievable.

The three separate public nomination campaigns run by the presenting partners, BT, Lloyds TSB and Sainsbury’s, will help find teams who have been together for years and achieved remarkable things or who have been grouped together as they have a common story to be celebrated.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG, said: “Each of our Paralympians has an inspirational story of courage and determination. In tribute to this, the Paralympic Torch Relay will look to recognize unique talent and some of the amazing feats that teams of people across the UK have achieved.

“I would encourage people to take part in these nomination campaigns and nominate a team or individual they know. Maybe you want to recognise a contribution that people have made to your life or maybe you have been inspired by their work. If you think that they can inspire others, then our Presenting Partners will want to hear from you.”

Lloyds TSB ran its campaign from 18 October to 22 November, during which they received thousands of nominations. Sainsbury’s will run its nomination campaign in January 2012.

The London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay programme will begin on Friday 24 August 2012 with the first flame lighting event to be held in London. Over the Bank Holiday weekend, the greater Belfast area, Edinburgh and Cardiff will each host a flame lighting moment and an evening Flame Festival.

BT, Lloyds TSB and Sainsbury’s will also select people to carry the flames lit in Cardiff, Belfast, Edinburgh during their evening Flame Festivals.

A special ceremony and final Flame Festival will be held in Stoke Mandeville, home of the Paralympic Movement during which all four flames will be brought together to create the Paralympic Flame .

The relay will also include nominations from the British Paralympic Association and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).