Lisburn finalises Olympic torch visit plans

The Olympic Flame will arrive in the UK from Greece on Friday May 18 and the 70 day Torch Relay will start at Land’s End, Cornwall on the morning of May 19. The Torch Visit to the City will allow citizens to see the torch carried through the streets of Lisburn. The torch route for Lisburn can be seen on www.lisburncity.gov.uk

The torch will travel with its torchbearer, outrunners and a cavalcade of Olympic vehicles, including sponsors of the event.

The Torchbearers from Lisburn include Laurence, Phillip and Alison Slater – Fencing, Lisburn Gladiators; Jeremy McIlwee, Gymnastics, Salto; Alastair McIlwee, Fencing, Lisburn Gladiators; Ella Davis, Runner, Lagan Valley Athletics Club; Johnny Davis, Fencing, Grosvenor. Johnny, who is Ella’s father, has also competed in Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992 as part of the Great Britain Fencing Team.

These people have been nominated via Volunteer Now for their volunteering efforts at the Boccia World Championships and Transplant Games.

The other two Torchbearers are Ewan McAteer, Gymnastics, Salto and Amy Hull who was nominated through her school.

The Chairman of the Leisure Services Committee, Councillor Thomas Beckett, said: “I am absolutely delighted to meet and welcome all Lisburn City Torchbearers to Lagan Valley Island and it is great to see local young people having a really key role in the 2012 Olympics.

“I am sure they will represent the City area well. It is a fantastic opportunity for the young people to meet other athletes and volunteers across many aspects of the Olympic areas. I would also like to thank Christ the Redeemer Primary School for the use of the fantastic torch in the photograph. ”