York to welcome Paralympic Flame

York will host the Paralympic Flame this summer, as well as the Olympic Torch Relay, the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) has announced today, six months before the start of the Paralympic Games.

City of York Council is now calling for nominations for people with disabilities to help bring the flame to York from London and on to the city’s third annual Celebrating Ability Day on 24 August at Energise leisure centre.

Four Flames will be lit as part of a new concept for the Paralympic Torch Relay, one each in London, Greater Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff. After travelling to regional celebrations ­– including York’s event – the four Flames will be united at the Paralympic Flame Lighting Ceremony at Stoke Mandeville, the spiritual home of the Paralympic Movement, to create the London 2012 Paralympic Flame. This Flame will be carried on a 24-hour overnight Relay to London and the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games.

Councillor Sonja Crisp, City of York Council’s cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Social Inclusion said:

“York’s Celebrating Ability Day – LOCOG Inspire-marked for the third year in succession – is hugely important locally and regionally for boosting participation in physical activity and sport. It’s fantastic that York will host the Paralympic Flame at this popular event which underpins the values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality.”

2012’s Celebrating Ability Day will be a showcase of activities and sport opportunities for people with a physical, sensory or learning disability. The free event held at City of York Council’s leisure centre Energise, will have voluntary sports clubs and national governing bodies of sports offering taster sessions including Goalball, Wheelchair Basketball, Badminton, Seated Volleyball, Wheelchair Rugby, Climbing, Cycling, Boccia, Bowls, Swimming and Gym Inductions too.

The day is one of York’s exciting programme of events planned around the London 2012 Games and the Olympic Torch relay coming the city on 19 June. It will also form part of a lasting legacy of participation in sports at all levels. See more at www.york.gov.uk/yorkgold2012

City of York Council wants nominations for individuals with disabilities to go with a council officer to London to help collect the Paralympic Flame on 24 August. Nominations should be sent by 1 May to Paul Ramskill, City of York Council, Sport and Active Leisure, 18 Back Swinegate, Swinegate Court, York YO1 8ZD or emailed to paul.ramskill@york.gov.uk

Director of Paralympic Integration at London 2012 who attended York’s 2011’s Celebrating Ability Day, Chris Holmes, said: “We are thrilled to announce that York will play host to a Flame Celebration. This new concept will involve people from all around the UK in the spirit of the Paralympic Movement in unique ways relevant to the area. I know that people from the city will get involved in this celebration and help ignite passion for the Paralympics across the UK.”