'A Flame For All' - disability charity urges London 2012 organisers to make the Olympic torch relay a true celebration of nation's diversity

23 May 2011

With the announcement of the nation-spanning, 70 day relay for the famous Olympic torch (http://www.london2012.com/games/olympic-torch-relay/) , visiting everywhere from Belfast to Birmingham, Sheffield to the Shetlands, Olympic fever has truly heated up. Eight thousand people will bear the torch and have their moment in history, with organisers hunting for people who have achieved real things in their communities.

Now national disability charity United Response is urging the organisers and their sponsors to ensure that the event is fully representative, by ensuring that those 8000 torch-bearers truly reflect Great Britain in the 21st century. There are over ten million people with a limiting long term illness, impairment or disability in the UK, including people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and mental health needs - many of whom have achieved remarkable things in their lives. We believe that the relay should embrace people from all different backgrounds and celebrate the wonderful diversity that makes Britain what it is today.

United Response has launched “A Flame For All” webpage– which will soon include a simple guide on how the Olympic nomination process works, and some tips on how to ensure you can nominate someone who reflects the diversity of our nation. We want as many people as possible to meet the tight deadline of June 29th.

Su Sayer, chief executive of United Response, said; “Everyone is thrilled about the coming Olympics, and the spotlight it shines on Great Britain. That's why that spotlight should reveal the full picture, including people with disabilities and from all different backgrounds. The torch relay provides that perfect opportunity.

“The organisers have already done a fantastic job in ensuring that the torch reaches most of our country geographically, now they can make sure it reaches most of our population. We know they are looking for people who have achieved things in their life and for their community; that should include people with disabilities, many of whom were told they would never work but have proven everyone wrong by becoming valued employees. It should also include people with learning disabilities, for example, who now live independently and make huge contributions to their community. Such people deserve to be celebrated.”

David Fry, who has disabilities and has taken part in several running events himself, said:

“It's great that the Olympics is going to be in London because it gives people the chance to see sport live, instead of just on TV. But I would be very disappointed if disabled people didn't take part in carrying the torch. The Olympics is a great opportunity for everyone to get involved and to show that everyone's equal. Leaving disabled people out would not be a good message.”

The Flame For All webpage will be live on Wednesday 25th May at www.unitedresponse.org.uk/aflameforall

---

Press releases, papers and documents published on this page are the intellectual property of an organisation unrelated to ePolitix.com. We promote their parliamentary and political campaigning activities as they are subscribers to the ePolitix.com service.

As such, ePolitix.com does not edit, endorse, or attempt to balance the opinions expressed on this page. The content of press releases and other such types of content are the responsibility of the originating organisation.