Ensuring disabled people shine among the 2012 Olympic torchbearers

25 May 2011

One week after the announcement of the 70 day relay for the famous Olympic flame (http://www.london2012.com/games/olympic-torch-relay/), leading disability charity United Response has launched a ten point guide for members of the public who wish to nominate disabled people as Olympic Torchbearers.

While Olympic organisers have committed themselves to making the torch relay as representative as possible, including providing adaptations for wheelchair-using participants, many people with disabilities remain unaware of this commitment. That's why United Response has launched A Flame For All, a campaign designed to increase awareness of disabled people's right to participate and encourage people to nominate inspiring individuals before the 29th June deadline.

The ten point guide goes live today at www.unitedresponse.org.uk/aflameforall and links to the official nomination website, as well as practical tips for submitting a nomination, and advice on how to write entries which are inspiring, punchy and positive.

There are over ten million people with a limiting long term illness, impairment or disability in the United Kingdom, including people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and mental health needs - many of whom have achieved remarkable things in their lives. United Response believes that the relay should embrace people from all backgrounds and celebrate the diversity that makes this country what it is today.

Su Sayer, chief executive of United Response, said; “Everyone is thrilled about the coming Olympics, and the spotlight it shines on our country. That's why that spotlight should reveal the full picture, including people with disabilities and from all backgrounds. The torch relay provides that perfect opportunity.

“The organisers have already done a fantastic job in ensuring that the torch reaches most of our country geographically, now they can make sure it reaches most of our population. We know they are looking for people who have achieved things in their life and for their community; that should include people with disabilities, many of whom were told they would never work but have proved everyone wrong by becoming valued employees. It should also include people with learning disabilities, for example, who now live independently and make huge contributions to their community. Such people deserve to be celebrated.”

David Fry, who has disabilities, and has taken part in several running events himself, said:

"It's great that the Olympics is going to be in London because it gives people the chance to see sport live, instead of just on TV. But I would be very disappointed if disabled people didn't take part in carrying the torch. The Olympics is a great opportunity for everyone to get involved and to show that everyone's equal.”

Ten tips for nominating people with disabilities as an Olympic Torchbearer

1. Be Positive– if you are nominating someone you are obviously inspired by them, so make that passion come across by highlighting personal qualities such as determination, enthusiasm or generosity of spirit
2. Do The Homework– nominations close on June 29th 2011, so visit www.london2012.com/games/olympic-torch-relay/carrying-the-olympic-flame/nominate-a-torchbearerand read the organisers' terms and conditions thoroughly, making sure that you and your nominee understand how it works
3. Make An Impact– nominations should be around 150 words, and those which are longer may stand a lower chance of being included. Stick to the limit and make every single word count
4. Focus On Ability– London 2012 has made it clear that they do need people to be able to “carry the flame” for 300 metres, but they don't need people to “run” and can provide adaptations for wheelchair users. Show judges what your nominee is capable of
5. Inspire– nominees should have done “extraordinary things”, so make this clear to the judges. Extraordinary things can mean sporting achievements or heroics – and many disabled people have indeed achieved such feats – but finding a job despite being told that you would never be able to work is also extraordinary, as one example
6. Break Down Barriers– if your nominee has faced major challenges in their life, describe them, so that the judges can understand what makes them special
7. Tell A Story– if you have space, bring your nomination to life by recounting a brief true life story which shows your nominee at their best, something they said or did which amazed you
8. Think Local– the torch relay will touch local communities across the country. Write about what your nominee contributes to their local community, whether that be in their work, their personal life, their volunteering or simply being someone who is always ready with a friendly smile
9. Involve Your Nominee– while you might like the idea of surprising the person you are nominating, the organisers require them to be informed beforehand. Not only is this sensible but it can make your nomination entry better – two heads are usually better than one
10. Understand The Odds– there are 60 million people in our country and only 8000 places for Torchbearers, which means that thousands of remarkable nominees will not be successful. However, they should still feel very proud of their achievements and the fact that they were nominated.

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