Made from an aluminium alloy, which was developed for the aerospace and automotive industry, the design of the Paralympic Torch allows it to adapt to and reflect its surroundings.

Sharing the core design attributes of the Olympic Torch, the three sided Paralympic Torch was inspired by the multiples of 'three' identified across London 2012.

One of these is the three Agitos, the symbol of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

The three Agitos encircle a central point to emphasise the role the IPC plays in bringing athletes from all parts of the world together to compete at the Paralympics.

In the same way, the three sides of the Paralympic Torch encircle the Paralympic Flame.

Created by London-based designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, the design of the Torch was driven by a desire to reflect modernity and innovation, while the aluminium alloy means that the Torch is both light to carry and has excellent heat resistance.

Thousands of round perforations, made using cutting-edge laser technology, help to ensure that heat from the flame is quickly dissipated without being conducted down the handle.

Created in partnership with Basildon-based product engineers Tecosim and Coventry-based manufacturers The Premier Group, the Torch also reflects the UK's talent in design and manufacturing.


"We wanted to make the most of pioneering production technologies and to demonstrate the industrial excellence available in the UK," said Barber and Osgerby.

"We are incredibly proud to be representing the UK, in design.

"We've worked hard to create a Torch that universally celebrates both the Paralympic and Olympic Relays and which reflects the passion for London 2012."

As revealed last year, the Paralympic Torch Relay, which will be presented by BT, Lloyds TSB, and Sainsbury's, will be a six-day event that will begin on August 24 with a London Flame lighting event.

This will be followed by the lighting of the Belfast Flame on August 25, the lighting of the Edinburgh Flame on August 26 and the lighting of the Cardiff Flame on August 27.

Each nation will also host events celebrating the Flame Lightings.

On August 28, a special ceremony – called the Stoke Mandeville Flame Festival – will then be held where the four Flames will be brought together to create the Paralympic Flame at the location were Sir Ludwig Guttmann sowed the seeds for the Paralympic Games back in 1948.

Following the event at Stoke Mandeville, a 24 hour overnight relay will then see the Paralympic Flame taken to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford by 580 Torchbearers for the London 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony on August 29.


"With six months to go until the start of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, we are on track to deliver a great Games that will showcase some of the most inspirational athletes from around the world," said London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe.

"The Paralympic Torch Relay will provide the perfect start by involving people from across the UK in events celebrating the Flame and help the ignite passion for the Paralympics."

In addition, 33 communities across the UK have taken the opportunity to host Flame Celebration's over the August Bank Holiday weekend when the Paralympic Flame is lit.

Each celebration will be unique and have a flavour of the local area but will have the Paralympic values at its core.

"I am delighted with the plans for the Paralympic Torch Relay as London 2012 and the IPC have worked closely to develop a concept that will not only capture the attention of the whole country, but also act as a blueprint for Organising Committees of future Games," said IPC President Sir Philip Craven.

"I think it is brilliant that the actual Paralympic Flame, that will be used to light the Cauldron in the Opening Ceremony on August 29, will be created at Stoke Mandeville, a place steeped in Paralympic history.

"The Games are coming home in six months' time and it is only right that we celebrate the significance of Stoke Mandeville, the Paralympic Movement's birthplace."

BT, Lloyds TSB, and Sainsbury's have each carried out a public nomination process to find some of the most inspirational teams across the UK to carry the Paralympic Flame.

There were over 3,500 nominations and they are now going through judging before the successful teams are announced in the next couple of months, while the Relay will also include nominations from the IPC, the British Paralympic Association (BPA) and other London 2012 sponsors.

"Here at BT we've been involved in the Paralympics for decades and we understand the power of Paralympic sport to inspire all of us," said Suzi Williams, the director of BT group marketing and brand.

"The unveiling of the Paralympic Torch design today – with just six months to go – will help to inspire the teams of amazing people we're bringing together to run with the Flame."


Sally Hancock, the director of the 2012 partnership and group sponsorship at Lloyds Banking Group, said: "As the only Presenting Partner of both the Paralympic and Olympic Torch Relays, Lloyds TSB is proud to be bringing the spirit of the Games closer to communities.

"With six months to go until the start of the Relay it's great to see the excitement building as the Paralympic Torch is unveiled and communities prepare to celebrate at Flame Festivals around the UK."

Gwyn Burr, customer service and colleague director at Sainsbury's, added: "We have been overwhelmed by the stories of determination, inspiration and courage which have been shared with us as part of our UK-wide nominations process.

"We look forward to sharing these stories with our customers and colleagues once the successful teams have been announced and to seeing the efforts of these incredible people rewarded with a genuine once-in-a-lifetime experience."

An animated video of the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay is available to view here. 

To find a celebration near you, click here.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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