LOCAL MP David Davies is leading the hunt for inspirational people to light the way for Monmouthshire at the London 2012 Olympics.
Mr Davies is seeking nominations for torchbearers to carry the Olympic Flame as it travels around the UK. The torch will arrive in Cardiff for the Welsh leg of the relay on 25th May 2012 and pass through many villages and towns, although the exact route has yet to be confirmed.
The search is on for 8,000 torchbearers and as nominees can be as young as 12 years-old, Mr Davies is particularly keen to ensure Monmouthshire’s youth plays its part in this once in a lifetime opportunity.
“I’m a keen sportsman myself and while I try to exercise every day, I’m getting to the age now where I want to encourage the next generation to do the same thing,” he said.
“I would dearly love to see youngsters from Monmouthshire carry the flame and although the final decision is not down to me, I will do everything I can to help as many people as possible from the area to take part.
“The eyes of the world will be on the whole of the UK, including Wales, and this really is a wonderful chance for youngsters who are interested in sport to get involved in the Olympics”.
Mr Davies, who is President of the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association, is asking for leading lights in the community to email their nominations to david.davies.mp@parliament.uk or write to the constituency office at 16 Maryport Street, Usk, Monmouthshire, NP15 1AB.
He added: “Nominees will be required to provide just 150 words on why an individual should be put forward. These words must evidence how somebody has gone beyond their ‘personal best’ in any walk of life”.
The nomination process will be open until 29th June 2011. For further information on the torch relay and how to nominate individuals to act as torchbearers, visit www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay or call 0800 111 6448.