The Sports Journalists’ Association wants to promote its members across the country by nominating an SJA member to carry the 2012 Olympic torch in as many regions and nations of Britain as possible during the Torch Relay next year.
The 70-day Olympic Torch Relay will take the Olympic flame on an 8,000-mile journey across the UK next summer. From the start point of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay at Land’s End on May 19 an average of 110 people a day will take centre stage by carrying the Olympic flame on its journey before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium on July 27 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
And while we don’t expect any SJA members to be running into the stadium alongside Sir Steve Redgrave or Dame Kelly Holmes at the Opening Ceremony, we do think that we can help boost our members’ chances of being selected for the honour of running a stage of the relay, providing endorsements to applications to LOCOG, the Olympic organisers.
Sports journalists have carried Olympic torches in the past – SJA member Alan Hubbard has done so twice.
Check out the official nomination process for 2012 by clicking here.
We have until June 27 to forward nominations from the SJA. We want SJA members to send to us their nomination for a colleague or workmate, maybe the sports editor, a fellow commentator or snapper. We will need you to complete a 150-word piece on why your nominee should get the chance to carry the torch, plus the nominee’s full name, address, email and contact number. The person nominated should be an SJA member.
These should be sent by email to the SJA at website@sportsjournalists.co.uk, with the words “OLYMPIC TORCH” in the subject field. The SJA will then submit the best applications to LOCOG. We are particularly keen to help the nominations of SJA members outside London, including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The sooner you get your application to us, the sooner we can submit it with the SJA endorsement.
UPCOMING SJA DATES
Mon Sep 12: SJA Autumn Golf Day, Muswell Hill GC. Click here for more details and to book yourself in for the day.
Wed Dec 7: SJA 2011 British Sports Awards – Booking now open. For more details, click here.
All details subject to alteration. Keep checking sportsjournalists.co.uk for updates