Performers from the Heathrow Gymnastics Club create a cauldron and an Olympic Flame

In line with the bid promise to inspire and connect a new generation to the Olympic Movement, 8,000 torchbearers will be selected with over half of the places expected to go to young people. There will be a torchbearer nomination process, expected to be announced in May 2011, giving people across the UK the chance to be involved in this historic countdown to the start of the London 2012 Games.

Seb Coe, Chair of LOCOG, said: ‘The Olympic Torch Relay heralds the start of the London 2012 Games, bringing people across the UK together to celebrate the spirit of the Games. The London 2012 Torch Relay will connect people and places, young people to sport and the UK to the rest of the world.’

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