Seems fitting I am writing this post on May 10th as the Olympic flame has just been lit at the Temple of Hera, Olympia, Greece, by harnessing the suns rays with a parabolic mirror.
The flame is held within the award-winning British designed torch by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, loaded with symbolism and meaning; its 8000 circles representing the 8000 people who will carry it on its 8000 mile journey around Britain. Its three sided design is inspired by the motto of the modern Olympics – ‘faster higher stronger’, alongside three very typical British elements; wind, temperature and rain. Initial attempts to weather-test a prototype involved a cutlery drainer, the office fan, and a watering can! The torch can withstand 75 mile an hour winds and temperatures down to -5.
Set to come within ten miles of 90% of the UK population, The Olympic torch is coming to a viewing opportunity near YOU!
Twenty six Olympic games, ten thousand five hundred athletes, millions of spectators. The torch will arrive in the UK at Land’s End on May 18th. Go on, make one very special personal souvenir and turn out on the 4th or 5th of July to cheer the torch on its way.
UPDATE
The torch has arrived into RAF Culdrose Cornwall with David Beckham part of the entourage accompanying the flame. And here he is, smart as ever.
For full details on the torch’s route through Our Norfolk, along with the evening celebration in Norwich planned en route, check out the EDP’s excellent site.
London 2012′s website has the full line-up of torchbearers, just choose your location and read their stories.
What’s happening where you live?
Tell us how you are going to welcome the torch and we’ll share it on line.
All story content and images used are acknowledged as property of LOCOG and taken by permission from their excellent London 2012 site. Olympic flame for the London 2012 games is lit in Olympia image Asset ID83610. Arrival of the Olympic Flame with David Beckham image Asset ID83724. Olympic torch and rings image Asset ID75685.
Bruin’s ‘Bear Essentials’: This is an activity for family fun!
