Newry chosen to host Paralympic torch this summer
Newry is set to join four other Northern Ireland towns and cities this summer in hosting Paralympic flame events. Newry joins Belfast, Cookstown, Derry and Carrickfergus as the five selected cities in Northern Ireland to welcome the Paralympic torch.
The first flame will be ignited in London on the 24th of August and afterwards make it’s journey off around the UK. The torch is set to visit community groups in Newry upon arrival, before leaving to make it’s journey back to London on the 29th August for the opening ceremony of the event.
Olympic officials will have to create a list of 580 torch bearers from the 3500 nominees, who have all applied to carry the Paralympic torch. Those selected will be broken up into teams of five.
Speaking in September, Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, Jeremy Hunt, spoke of the importance of the event, “The torch relay will take the Paralympics to each home nation helping to build excitement for the Games and awareness of disability sport. This is our chance to welcome home the Paralympic movement.”
He continued, “To go to the four corners of the UK and to have four flames coming together in the birthplace of the Paralympics is so special. My first Paralympic Games in Sydney were incredible. Now some Paralympic athletes are household names. It makes me so proud to be an athlete. The Paralympics are coming home.”
Be sure to check back on Newry Times during the event for the latest pictures and reaction.
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