14 May 2012
Blaenau Gwent Council is congratulating ‘Team BG’ – the inspirational people chosen to represent Blaenau Gwent in the Olympic Torch Relay events coming soon to Wales.
Samuel Weed, 19, will carry the Flame in Cardiff, and said: “I’ve lived in Blaenau Gwent all my life, and currently live in Ebbw Vale. I was at university in Cardiff when I heard I was going to be a Torchbearer.
“The first people I told were my parents, my girlfriend Kirsty, and Victoria Price from the Council – who nominated me. Since then it’s all been a bit of a dream, and one of the strangest moments was getting interviewed for the Shanghai Morning Post!
“To this day I still can’t believe that I will be representing my friends, family, and Blaenau Gwent in carrying the Flame in the capital of Wales and I’d like to thank Samsung for choosing me.
“I passionately believe that Blaenau Gwent has a lot of potential in different aspects – especially sport. That’s why I really love my voluntary work running Street Games sessions in my local area, because it gives young people something positive to do despite the difficult economic times.
“I really hope that people come and show their passion for the Olympic Flame when it goes through Brynmawr. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for everybody to show that Blaenau Gwent has a lot to offer and cheer on those carrying the Torch. Although I’m carrying the Torch in Cardiff I hope I have support from local people too.”
Malcolm Green, 73, will be a Torchbearer in Caerphilly, and said: “I have really deep roots in Blaenau Gwent, and really enjoy being able to help my community. Alongside a group of other volunteers I help to run the Ebbw Vale children’s contact centre, which helps parents keep in touch with their children, and I’m working on a project to turn our church vestry in Cwm into a community centre.
“It is absolutely thrilling to be chosen to carry the Olympic Flame. It’s a great honour to have the chance to be part of what will be an absolutely amazing community event.
“I’ve always worked with young people, and I think the Olympic Torch Relay event coming to Brynmawr will be a fantastic moment for them to be part of sporting history and really shout about what makes Blaenau Gwent so special.”
The Olympic Torch is due to reach Brynmawr on Friday 25 May at around 12.40, with crowds expected to be lining the route by 12 noon. Three Torchbearers will take part in the spectacle, including James Edwards, 21, of Ebbw Vale.
The Council has committed to minimise disruption, but a number of roads will be affected by the Torch Relay. Information about road closures will be posted to www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk, which already includes information about the exciting programme for the Olympic Torch Relay.
