Matt prepares to carry torch in Belfast

IT WAS the introduction of the popular park-run event which sees hundreds run the 5k event at various venues around the province each Saturday that helped athletic coach Matt Shields, become one of the privileged few to carry the Olympic torch around Belfast.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Mar 2012, 09:00 BST

The father-of-two and coach with the North Belfast Harriers for 20 years set up the park-run event, an event set up for keen runners and organised entirely by volunteers.

There are currently four runs each Saturday one at Victoria Park (9.00am), Cavehill Road around the Waterworks (9.30am) Queen’s University (9.30am) and Ecos Park in Ballymena (9.30).

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Belfast City Council nominated Matt who was first made aware of the nomination about a month ago when he received a letter from organisers.

Matt, who has won council coach of the year with Belfast Council, then received an email last week to congratulate him on being chosen to be one of the Olympic torch bearers to carry it around a route in Belfast in June.

“We have not been allowed to say anything until now and have been told that we will get further details closer to the time but to be part of such a major event, the Olympic, is just incredible,” said Matt.

“The Olympics will probably never be back in London in my lifetime, so it is truly a great honour to be part of something like this.”

Matt (57) lives at Lurganure Road Maze, is married to wife Ruth and has two daughters Gail and Susan.

Related topics:BelfastVictoria ParkBelfast City Council