The Torchbearers
Andrew Honey-Jones, a PE and School Sport Facilitator at Caerphilly County Borough Council is one of the nine people that will be carrying the Olympic Torch through Caerphilly.
He said: “When I found out that I would be taking part in what will prove to be an unforgettable experience, I was thrilled. I couldn’t wait to tell all my family and friends – but had to wait a couple of months before the official announcement was revealed.
“This will be a once-in-a-lifetime event, not just for those involved, but also those who get to see the torch travel through their community.
“The Olympics is something that I have watched in awe for as long as I can remember, ever since becoming hooked by the 1988 Olympics in Seoul and the drama that came from the 100m that year. The Olympic Games is the greatest show on earth, and the opportunity to have an active part in that is one of the best feelings in the world.
“Running past all my family and friends as they line the streets during the day will be such an honour and will give me such a sense of pride. I won’t only be completing the leg for myself, but will be representing all those people that have supported me through all aspects of my life. My parents, family, friends are all going to be there on the day, and I can’t wait to see the smiles on their faces and the pride that they will have in me when I have my chance to take part in the London 2012 Olympics.”
Malcolm Green is a prominent and long-serving volunteer within his Ebbw Vale community.
He said: “I have volunteered at my church for over 50 years and I currently support a children’s contact centre, which helps the parent to interact with the child in an appropriate manner. I am also involved with fundraising that will see a church vestry turned into a community centre for the village, raising almost £20,000 for the project.
“It was due to this voluntary work that I am involved with that I was nominated to carry the Olympic Torch during its relay around Britain. A lady from Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations (GAVO) nominated me for the work I have done with young people through my volunteering.
“When I found out I had been nominated, I felt humbled and wondered why would anyone choose me? But now that it’s getting close we are all so excited and can’t wait.
“My family is very proud, and I feel that this will be an experience of a lifetime. The setting with Caerphilly Castle as the backdrop for the event is going to be so special. All my family and some friends are hoping to make the most of a super day with all the other events that will be taking place. It really is an honour to be a part of it.”
Bronwen Davies, age 16 from Ebbw Vale.
“Although I did know of my nomination it still came as a huge surprise to be named as a Torchbearer. Julie Giles from Keep Wales Tidy nominated me for this fantastic opportunity due to the work I had done the previous year as a Climate Change Champion for Wales. I was nominated by Julie for my work throughout Wales and also because I had been given the role of Head Girl in my school for the year 2011/2012.
“I didn’t think I’d got it so I just let it go and thought it was worth a try but then I discovered that they had sent the email to the wrong email address. I was in the car on the way home from school at the time and I made my mother jump when I screamed and she almost had to pull over. I was astonished, I had thought I hadn’t got it and I was completely stunned that I had. I have never thought of the work I do as inspiring but clearly someone did and I am eternally grateful.
“I hope I won’t crack under the pressure and set my hair on fire or trip over! I will just be so proud to see the people closest to me watching me do something that will stay with me forever. A memory shared is often more enjoyable to reminisce. I look forward to being able to share such an amazing experience and I can’t wait to look into their eyes and see the pride I hope they will feel.
“It will certainly be picturesque and I think it’ll be something the area can hold in its history for many years to come. I am so happy that one of the most prestigious events of the lead up to the games will touch Caerphilly.
“I think it’s brilliant that this has been made into a community event and I think it’s a great way of celebrating such a prestigious event. I’ll stay behind as long as I possibly can (as long as there’s food involved) and will thoroughly enjoy the day in its entirety, it is a day to remember, not just a brief moment in time.”
Olympic Torch Relay: The route and associated road closures
Olympic Torch Relay: Parking and Transport
Olympic Torch Relay: Olympic Sports Village and the Blue Peter Olympic Roadshow
Olympic Torch Relay: Food Festival
Olympic Torch Relay: The Torchbearers