By Ashleigh Wight
The London 2012 Olympic torch tour is heading to Kingston University as part of a nationwide search for talented and inspirational young people.
The Olympic sponsor behind the event is calling on students and local residents to nominate a person they think is worthy of carrying the Olympic Torch in its 70 day relay towards the opening ceremony of the London Olympics next year.
“We are delighted to welcome the Coca-Cola Olympic torch tour, so that the people of Kingston upon Thames celebrate all the amazing things our local young people are doing,” Lauren McCormack, Vice-President Activities at Kingston University Students’ Union said.
The winner will be given the opportunity to run with the Olympic Flame, which will be relayed by 8,000 torch-bearers across the UK on its way to the opening ceremony on July 27 2012.
They will run one leg of the relay, approximately 300 metres, during the 70 day period starting at Land’s End on May 19.
“We want everyone in Kingston to nominate the inspirational young people they know and give them the chance to run with the Olympic Flame next summer,” Lauren said.
Earlier this year, Kingston students were given the opportunity to train with the Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) and be given the chance to work as paid broadcast professionals at the Games.
Kingston is one of six universities to have been given this broadcasting opportunity, where 900 to 1,000 staff will be needed to take up roles including camera assistants, audio assistants and engineers.
Applications for the OBS training scheme are still open for students enrolled as of January 31 2011 can be applied for through www.btp.obs.es
TheOlympic Torch will be at the Students’ Union at Penrhyn Road between 12 and 6pm on Thursday November 3.