Flame of Hope 

Torch passes through Swindon town centre ahead of the Special Olympics

The torch for the Special Olympics, Great Britain’s National Summer Games, was bought to Swindon today as part of its journey around the South West of England.

Lighting the torch, known as the ‘Flame of Hope’, was Swindon’s local MP Justin Tomlinson; in front of a crowd including Bob Billson, Development Manager of the Special Olympics and the Swindon Shock Wheelchair Basketball Team.

“It is such an honour to have the torch in Swindon on its journey towards Bath for the Special Olympics National Summer Games” said Justin.

“We look forward to seeing the athletes compete in the games over the three days and are so pleased to be part of their journey”.

Rebecca Rowland, BID manager for inSwindon said: “It was fantastic to see the official Olympic Torch in Swindon and to relive the memories from last year’s activities in the Town Centre surrounding the Olympics”.

The ‘Flame of Hope’ will be used to light the cauldron at the opening ceremony at the Royal Crescent in Bath on Wednesday. The games are held every four years and will see 1,700 athletes compete.

Flame of Hope

Swindon town centre

Tuesday 27 August 2013