Olympic Flame to burn at the 2012 Isle of Man TT
The eyes of millions of sports fans will be on the 2012 Isle of Man TT when the Olympic Torch makes a visit on its way to London.
It has been confirmed the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Route includes Isle of Man, and the iconic symbol of the games will arrive in the Island on Saturday, June 2, 2012 – the day schedule for the first races of next year’s TT.
Precise details of how the visit of the Olympic torch may be tied into the opening races of the world’s greatest road race are yet to be revealed.
The visit to the Isle of Man was confirmed by the London 2012 Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Olympic Flame will arrive in the UK from Greece on May 18 next year and the 70-day Torch Relay will start at Land’s End, Cornwall, the next morning. After leaving Land’s End, the Olympic Flame is expected to travel an estimated 8,000 miles before arriving at the Olympic Stadium on July 27 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Isle of Man Community, Culture and Leisure Minister David Cretney said:
“The Isle of Man is honoured to be hosting the Olympic flame on June 2, 2012. It will arrive on the Isle of Man on the first race day of the TT next year, which will enable thousands of visitors as well as residents to witness the spectacle.”
“The coming of the Olympic Flame to our Island will be a significant part of our sporting history and will tie us firmly into the global Olympic family.”
“I know everyone will want to watch the Olympics, but this way even those of us who can’t travel to the UK can be part of the Olympics firsthand.’
London 2012 Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Chair Sebastian Coe added:
“We are thrilled that the Isle of Man has agreed to host the Olympic Flame on its journey right across the UK, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey.”
“The Olympic Flame will shine a light right across the Isle of Man, celebrating the culture and heritage of the area and showcasing the very best of the Island. We have no doubt that the welcome the Isle Man will provide will demonstrate how the spirit of the Olympic Games is reaching out across the UK and excitement builds as the start of the 2012 Games draws closer.”
“The Olympic Flame will be carried across the UK by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers and once the detailed daily route is confirmed later this year, it is our aim that 95% population will be within a one hour journey time of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.”
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