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24/08/2012
Light The Way To The Paralympic Games
A celebration cauldron has been lit in Trafalgar Square in London using the English National Flame created by Scouts at Scafell Pike, England's highest peak.
The cauldron was lit by Claire Lomas, who was an event rider and chiropractor until an eventing accident in 2007 left her paralysed from the chest down. Since then she has married, had a baby girl, learnt to ski and fundraised for spinal research. Claire recently walked the London Marathon in a pioneering robotic suit raising £204,000 for Spinal Research. She is now training for a cycling challenge in 2013.
During the event in Trafalgar Square, 26 Flame ambassadors from the nations and regions each collected a splinter of the Flame in a lantern to take back to the various Flame celebrations being held around the country.
The day began with actor Eddie Marson carrying the Flame at the Royal Opera House. He recently played Dr Ludwig Guttmann, the pioneering neurologist who founded the Stoke Mandeville Games, in BBC2 drama the Best of Men.
Other highlights today will include the Flame being carried by performers who will feature in this weekend's Notting Hill Festival, a visit to the Houses of Parliament, and a journey on the Docklands Light Railway.
Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: "The National Flame in England will help to light the way to the Paralympic Games. It will also give people the chance to celebrate the amazing achievements of the inspirational Torchbearers who all embody the Paralympic Values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality."
(CD)
The cauldron was lit by Claire Lomas, who was an event rider and chiropractor until an eventing accident in 2007 left her paralysed from the chest down. Since then she has married, had a baby girl, learnt to ski and fundraised for spinal research. Claire recently walked the London Marathon in a pioneering robotic suit raising £204,000 for Spinal Research. She is now training for a cycling challenge in 2013.
During the event in Trafalgar Square, 26 Flame ambassadors from the nations and regions each collected a splinter of the Flame in a lantern to take back to the various Flame celebrations being held around the country.
The day began with actor Eddie Marson carrying the Flame at the Royal Opera House. He recently played Dr Ludwig Guttmann, the pioneering neurologist who founded the Stoke Mandeville Games, in BBC2 drama the Best of Men.
Other highlights today will include the Flame being carried by performers who will feature in this weekend's Notting Hill Festival, a visit to the Houses of Parliament, and a journey on the Docklands Light Railway.
Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: "The National Flame in England will help to light the way to the Paralympic Games. It will also give people the chance to celebrate the amazing achievements of the inspirational Torchbearers who all embody the Paralympic Values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality."
(CD)
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15 August 2012
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The Paralympic torch relay will be launched by Scouts the lighting of four flames atop the highest peak in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The flames will be lit on August 22 on Scafell Pike, Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Slieve Donard on 22 August.
27 July 2012
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18 May 2011
First Olympic Torch Relay Locations Announced
From Lands End to London via all the nations and regions of the UK, the first locations on the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay route have been announced.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
