Snowdon to be the peak of the Olympic flame’s journey
It was confirmed today (Monday 7 November) that the Olympic torch’s highest place on its journey around Britain would be Snowdon in Wales. …
It was confirmed today (Monday 7 November) that the Olympic torch’s highest place on its journey around Britain would be Snowdon in Wales.
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has confirmed the route the Olympic Flame will take around the country as part of the London 2012 Torch Relay. In Wales, the Olympic Flame will travel to Aberystwyth, Bangor, Cardiff and Swansea with the highest confirmed place on its route around Britain being the summit of Snowdon at 1.085 metres above sea level.
Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan said:
“I am delighted that the summit of Snowdon will be the peak of the Olympic Torch’s route around Britain in May 2012. As it travels around Wales it is not only a fantastic opportunity for everyone nearby to be involved, but it will showcase the beauty of Wales to the world, so that many more people will see what a great social and cultural place Wales is.”
Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, said:
‘When the Olympic Flame arrives here in the UK on 18 May next year it will mark the final countdown to the greatest sporting event the country will host in our lifetime. The Olympic Torch Relay will be an amazing opportunity for people to see the Olympic Flame in their own towns and communities. The Flame’s journey is steeped in the rich history of the Olympic Games, travelling from Athens then right around the UK. I encourage everyone to get out and take part in the excitement of the Torch Relay as it comes through their town.’
The Olympic Flame will be carried across the UK by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers each of whom will have a story of personal achievement and/or contribution to the local community. In December this year, successful nominees will be contacted with a conditional offer and final Torchbearer places will start to be confirmed from February 2012 onwards.
Notes to editors:
For more information about the Olympic Torch route please contact the London 2012 Press Office on +44 (0)203 2012 100 or visit the website at www.london2012.com.
An interactive map detailing the route is available at www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelaymap