Frances Arthurs

'Francie' as he is affectionately known, caught the marathon bug at age 48 and has been running ever since raising significant amounts for residential care homes and cancer charities. An ex-service and former territorial army, youth worker turned 'international' athlete he has represented Northern Ireland at veterans level and was part of the over 70's relay team which set a new record in Belfast 2010. Voted by pupils in the nationalist lower falls in Belfast as the most inspirational person they knew, he served as their school crossing patrolperson for over 10 years making a telling difference to their attendance rates and levels of motivation. In every sense a role model, 'Francie' is a man of and for the people. His recognition as a torch bearer would affirm his growing old with purpose persona; his cultivation of a legacy centred on helping others, his evocation of sport for all ages. He personifies sport as an expression of neighbourliness in a city coming out of conflict and seeking through people like 'Francie' to rediscover its cohesion and togetherness. Francis Arthurs presents a visible enthusiasm for life through sport and sport as both life and community enhancing which resonates powerfully with the olympic ideals. His torch carrying will light up parts of Belfast recovering from dark times, keen to embrace a better future for all and confident that this can be achieved with seemingly timeless citizens life Francis Arthurs and his marrying of life with sport.