19 March 2012
Blaenau Gwent’s moment to shine is closer than ever today, as the streets that the Olympic Flame will travel along have been announced, alongside the names of the inspirational Torchbearers who will carry it.
People from across Blaenau Gwent will be heading to Brynmawr to welcome the Olympic Torch Relay on Friday 25 May. The Torch – which is travelling the length and breadth of the UK – is scheduled to reach the town at 12.42pm.
The first torch bearer will start at 12.42pm on King Street (A4047), near the junction with Alma Street. The torch will be carried down Beaufort Street at 12.47pm, past Market Square just minutes later, then on past the roundabout onto Blaenavon Road.
The best view of the spectacle will be from King Street or Beaufort Street, with all schools in Blaenau Gwent allocated their own spots along the route.
Local people will also enjoy a host of other activities and displays as Brynmawr embraces the Olympic spirit. One of the highlights will be the Blaenau Gwent Olympic Village, which opens to the public following the Relay event. Based at Blaenycwm School, community partners are offering a range of activities including a climbing wall, inflatable football pitch, arts and crafts as well as displays and performances.
Beaufort Street will be closed the night before the event. King Street (from the Heads of the Valleys roundabout to the junction with Beaufort Street), Market Square and Blaenavon Road B4248 (between the two roundabouts) will be closed to vehicles for a period through the May 25 event.
The Torchbearers confirmed to carry the Flame in Brynmawr include those that were successful through the public nomination processes run by LOCOG and the Presenting Partners, Coca Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung. LOCOG has endeavoured to slot all community Torchbearers within an hour of their nomination address so family and friends can cheer them on. Each Torchbearer will wear a white and gold uniform which been designed by adidas.
Cllr John Mason, Leader of Blaenau Gwent Council, said:
“Today’s announcement brings us that one step closer to Friday 25 May – the date that I hope everybody in Blaenau Gwent puts in their diaries as an event they just can’t miss.”
Cllr Jason Owen, Executive Member for Leisure and Culture, said:
“The Olympic Torch Relay provides an amazing opportunity for communities to share in the Olympic spirit and cheer on the inspirational members of the community chosen to run with the flame. It’s also a fantastic chance to show off our beautiful area and celebrate our passion for sports right here in Blaenau Gwent.”
Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG, added:
“Today we bring the Olympic Torch Relay to life. The Flame symbolises the Olympic spirit and its journey around the UK will bring the excitement of the Games to our streets. Now the people know the route the Olympic Flame will be carried along and the Torchbearers for their community, they can start planning how they might celebrate and make it Blaenau Gwent’s moment to shine.”
An average of 115 Torchbearers a day will carry the Olympic Flame during its 8,000 mile journey around the UK before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium on 27 July 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
LOCOG has worked closely with representatives from a number of sectors in each Nation and Region of the UK to devise the route and is taking the Olympic Flame to within ten miles of over 95% of the population.
Schools across the UK can now access free learning resources linked to the Olympic Torch Relay through Get Set (london2012.com/getset), the official London 2012 education programme. The activities are designed to help schools and colleges make the most of the Relay by lining the route, and cheering on their local Torchbearers. Resources include ideas for making Flame hats and shakers to welcome the Flame, an assembly presentation to get the school behind a Torchbearer and a film showing one Get Set network school's preparations for the Relay.
Find out more online at www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk or check out street-by-street information online at www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay
