Three young fencers fulfil Olympic dream

THREE young fencers from Lisburn will be carrying the Olympic torch through various parts of Northern Ireland this summer.

Laurence Slater, his brother Philip and friend Kiara Kennedy are all members of the Gladiators Fencing Club in Lisburn.

They are also students at Wallace High School and were nominated by Laurence and Philip’s mother for the honour.

The three young people were delighted to be selected.

Laurence will be carrying the torch in Ballynahinch, Philip will be carrying it through Augher and Kiara will be running through Omagh will the flame.

All three of the Wallace students are passionate about fencing. However, it was their commitment to volunteering that won them the coveted honour.

The trio dedicated themselves to volunteering at the Boccia World Cup last summer, helping disabled athletes who were competing.

“I am nervous,” explained Laurence, “but this is a once in a lifetime experience and only 8,000 people get this chance within the whole of the UK.

“I’m am very honoured to have been chosen, but I hope I will be a good ambassador for all of us that volunteer, rain, hail or snow, and I hope it may encourage other young people to volunteer.

“I can’t wait to tell my children and grandchildren that I held the Olympic Torch in 2012 for a whole 300 metres.

“I know my mum is petrified that I will drop it, as she turned down her own place as she was worried she would drop it with nerves!”

Kiara said the news came as a shock to her. “I was a bit surprised because I didn’t know I had been nominated,” she explained. “When I found out I was over the moon.”

Philip added: “When mum told us she had nominated us we were thrilled.

“It is a great honour.”