Once in a lifetime opportunity to carry the Paralympic Flame

CUSTOMERS at Sainsbury’s Ballymena have their final opportunity to nominate teams or individuals to be part of a London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay.

The Ballymena store situated in Larne Road Link launched its public nomination campaign Wednesday, January 11. It’s the last of three campaigns run by the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay Presenting Partners.

The final campaign, involving Sainsbury’s stores across the county, will give customers the chance to nominate a team or individual from their local community who had inspired them.

Sainsbury’s Ballymena store manager Steven Pollock said: “This is a great opportunity for our customer in Ballymena to get involved in the build up to the Paralympic Games. To have the opportunity of carrying the Paralympic Flame and help launch this year’s games, really would be a great honour for an individual or team from Ballymena.

“We’re looking for nominations of people who have really made a difference by inspiring those around them, It’s quick and easy to dominate, so we hope the nomination process is a big success with our customers.”

100 places are available for customers through Sainsbury’s nomination campaign. They will then have the once in a lifetime opportunity to carry the Paralympic Flame on a very special 24 hour relay from Stoke Mandeville in Aylesbury, the spiritual home of the Paralympic Movement, to the Olympic Park in Stratford, East London, where the flame will be used to officially open the Paralympic Games. The relay will take place overnight from August 28 to 29.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: “All around the UK there are teams or individuals that embody the Paralympic values and make a difference to the lives of others.

“The London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay aims to recognise the contribution of some of these amazing people.

“The Sainsbury’s nomination process is the final of the three campaigns run by our Paralympic Torch Relay Presenting Partners so if there is a team or individual in the Ballymena area that you feel deserves recognition for their contribution, then I would encourage you to nominate them.”

Sainsbury’s Ballymena customers can nominate individuals or teams by picking up a leaflet in-store (which is freepost), calling the helpline on 01299 382074 or visiting www.sainsburys.co.uk/paralympictorchrelay.

Nominations close on Tuesday, February 14.