One Day Left to Nominate for Paralympic Torch Relay

There are just 24 hours remaining to nominate someone to take part in the London 2012 Paralympic Games Torch Relay, which takes place on 28/29 August.

The IPC has 15 Torchbearer slots up for grabs and will be awarding them to the five most deserving members of the public, as well as 10 Paralympians – any athlete who has taken part in the Paralympic Games since 1960.

Following the lighting of the Paralympic Flame at Stoke Mandeville on the evening of 28 August, a 24 hour Torch Relay, involving 580 Torchbearers, will carry the flame to the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at the Olympic Stadium.

If you know someone who deserves to be part of it, you have until 17.00 (CET) on Wednesday 29 February 2012 to send in your nomination!

How to take part - Members of the public

To nominate someone to take part in the London 2012 Paralympic Games Torch Relay they must fit at least one of the categories listed below and regularly display the Paralympic values of courage, determination, equality and inspiration.

• Inspiring grassroots coach

• Inspiring family member

• Biggest inspiration

• Loyal supporter

• Future Paralympian

If you know someone who fits the above, then in no more than 300 words email torchrelay@paralympic.org by 5.00pm (CET) on Wednesday 29 February 2012 explaining why you believe your candidate is a worthy nominee to take part in the Torch Relay.

Please also ensure you include the full name of the person you are nominating, together with their date of birth, address, e-mail address and telephone number. Failure to do so will make your nomination void.

How to take part - Paralympians

If you have taken part in at least one Paralympic Games since 1960 then you are eligible for consideration to take part in the London 2012 Torch Relay on 28/29 August.

To be considered for the relay all you need to do is join the IPC Athletes Club, a Facebook group dedicated to and only available to para-athletes around the world.

The group aims to provide a community forum whereby athletes from the grassroots right through to the elite level can discuss and debate issues regarding the Paralympic Movement and para-sport.

Joining the group is free of charge, so sign-up today and engage with fellow athletes from across the globe, as well as put yourself in contention to take part in the London 2012 Paralympic Games Torch Relay.

To join the group, simply log onto www.facebook.com/groups/ParaAthleteClub/, and click on the ‘Ask to Join Group’ button in the top right corner.

As long as you are an athlete, the IPC will then approve your request. Once a member of the group you can invite other athletes to join the club and forum too.

All Paralympians who are members of the group by Wednesday 29 February 2012 at 5.00pm CET will go into a draw to be selected to be a Torchbearer in the relay.

Athletes who are not part of Facebook, can also nominate themselves by emailing verena.conrad@paralympic.org by Wednesday 29 February 2012 at 5.00pm CET with their full name, date of birth, address, e-mail address and telephone number. Failure to do so will make your nomination void.

The Experience

In addition to taking part in the London 2012 Paralympic Games Torch Relay on 28/29 August, each Torchbearer will also receive two tickets to the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games on 29 August.

Things to Remember

• Terms & Conditions – All Torchbearers must accept & sign the Participation Terms to take part in the Paralympic Torch Relay

• Over 12 years old – All Torchbearers and nominators must be aged 12 or over at the time of nomination

• Parental consent – For those under 18 years old, parental or guardian consent is required - they must sign the Terms and Conditions on behalf of the Torchbearer

• Eligibility – Individuals who are Torchbearers during the Olympic Torch Relay are not eligible for the Paralympic Torch Relay

Please note no costs incurred by Torchbearers taking part in the London 2012 Torch Relay will be covered by the IPC. Taking part is at your own expense.

Good luck!