Olympic Torch lit in Greece today
The Olympic Torch has today (Thursday 10 May 2012) been lit in Olympia, Greece.
It will arrive in the UK on 18 May 2012 when it will start to make its 70-day journey through more than 1,000 different communities, before entering the Olympic Stadium in London on Friday 27 July 2012. Here the last Torchbearer will light the cauldron at the opening ceremony in the Olympic Stadium, marking the official start of the Games.
A very precise ritual for the lighting of the Flame is followed at every Games. It is lit from the sun’s rays at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, in a traditional ceremony among the ruins of the home of the ancient Games.
After a short relay around Greece, the Flame is handed over to the new Host City (London) at another ceremony in the Panathenaiko stadium in Athens.
With only two weeks to go until Shropshire’s first visit from the Olympic Torch on 24 May 2012, preparations are well underway to ensure that everyone enjoys a memorable, safe day. The torch will be in the county on again 30 May 2012.
Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for active and healthy lifestyles, said:
“The countdown has begun! It is a great honour that 11 of our communities will be able to give a big welcome to the Olympic Flame and the inspirational Torchbearers. As well as residents and visitors, over 15,000 schoolpupils will be lining the streets throughout Shropshire to welcome the Torch.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to help showcase our beautiful county to the world, especially as Much Wenlock has such an important connection to the modern Olympics.”
Although Shropshire Council’s highways team and the police will closely manage traffic and crowds, the Relay and its convoy are expected to cause some disruption to people’s journeys, and normal business activity may be affected for a short while.
In addition to the route itself, there may be some knock on effect on the surrounding roads, so the council is advising people to plan any car journeys with this in mind. There will also be a few delays to certain public transport services where they travel near or on the Torch’s route.
To help minimise delays and keep the area safe, the council is asking people to help them make sure the route is kept clear by ensuring cars are not parked on the road and pavements are kept clear of obstructions.
There has been a good response for volunteer stewards who will line the route and assist with any queries or problems. If people would still like to volunteer, it’s not too late. People should get in touch with Joy Durrant by emailing joy.durrant@shropshire.gov.uk.
For further information, people should visit shropshire.gov.uk/london2012, follow the relay on twitter here or look at Facebook here.
