Meeting over relay of Olympic flame

AT the time of going to press yesterday (Monday), Councillors, town centre representatives, sports reps. and representatives from local schools were gathering in The Braid to firm up plans for the local Olympic Torch Relay programme.

It is understood that the agenda of Monday afternoon’s ‘Torch Relay Task Force’ included reaching agreement on the next stage of announcements for the relay including: confirmation of the inspirational torch bearers who would carry the flame through the borough, the showcasing of the torch bearer uniform and confirmation of events along the route such as visiting local landmarks.

A total of 8,000 torchbearers around the UK will take the torch on its 70-day journey which begins in Land’s End on May 19.

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It will arrive in Ballymena on June 7 in convoy from Magherafelt and will be carried along Broughshane Road from Kernohan’s Lane to Broughshane Street, along Church Street, Bridge Street, and Larne Street.

The torch will then be taken in convoy to Moorfields where it will be carried along the Moorfields Road before leaving the borough.

Ballymena Borough Council is also planning a full day event to welcome the Paralympic Torch which will be relayed across the UK over the August Bank Holiday, August 25.

The local event will aim to showcase the best in Disability Arts with workshops and performances through the Braid Arts Centre, culminating in a music and drama production performed by local people on the theme of ‘Welcome’.

Following the final performance, the young people involved in the event will take part in a torchlight procession through the Braid Arts Centre for a grand finale.

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