Four flames to light up Paralympic torch relay

Four flames will light up the torch relay in the run-up to the start of the London 2012 Paralympics. The first will be lit in London on 24 August, followed by lightings in Greater Belfast a day later, Edinburgh on 26 August and Cardiff on 27 August.

Different ways, yet to be decided, will be found for people to spark the separate flames.

Annabel Gunnell, from the London 2012 Organising Committee, told Channel 4 News: “We are keen that the four flames are lit in different ways in the host cities using the physical energy of human endeavour, so it is likely that kinetics will play a part.

“We will be working with a range of partners in each city to programme exciting and intriguing flame lighting events.”

This is in contrast to the custom of lighting the Olympic flame, which is traditionally said to be by the sparks of the sun.

More: clickable map of London 2012 Olympic torch route

All four flames will then go on whirlwind tours of community groups in each city before being combined into a single Paralympic flame at Stoke Mandeville, the home of the Paralympics.

This special event, on 28 August, will be followed by a 24-hour relay to the opening ceremony in London on 29 August.

“We are so pleased to be holding a special ceremony at Stoke Mandeville on the eve of the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games to bring the four flames together to create the Paralympic flame,” Gunnell explained.

“Starting the 24 hour relay from there to the stadium is will ensure the eyes of the world understand the history and heritage of Stoke Mandeville.”

A “unique” method of lighting each flame is promised before 580 torchbearers, working in teams of five, carry the final Paralympic flame to London.

The Paralympic torch will be based on the same core design as the Olympic torch but there will be some differences. It will be unveiled next year.

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