Olympic Torch relay, coming to a street near you!

It's finally happening - the Olympic Torch relay route was released today in the media.  Lit in Greece and steeped in history, the Olympic Torch will travel for 70 days across the UK, starting on 19th May until 27th July, when it'll be laid to rest as part of the massive opening ceremony for the games! 

Representing peace, unity and friendship, as it makes its way across the UK on a 70-day journey it will bring the excitement of the Olympics to everyone. 

The Olympic Torch Relay will help shine a light on the whole of the UK – from dynamic urban areas to places of outstanding natural beauty.  Torchbearers will carry the Flame through more than 1,000 cities, towns and villages in the UK.

See exactly where the Olympic Torch relay will pass here.

The London 2012 Olympic Torch features 8,000 small cut-out circles, representing the 8,000 inspirational people who will carry it on its journey around the UK.

History of the Olympic Flame, Torch and Relay!

The Olympic Flame, Torch and Relay draw on a history going back to the ancient Olympic Games in Greece.  The Torch and Relay were important elements of the cultural festivals surrounding the Olympic Games of Ancient Greece.

Spreading the light from Greece: the modern Games - a very precise ritual for the lighting of the Flame is followed at every Games. It is lit from the sun's rays at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, in a traditional ceremony among the ruins of the home of the ancient Games.

After a short relay around Greece, the Flame is handed over to the new Host City at another ceremony in the Panathenaiko stadium in Athens.

The Flame is then delivered to the Host Country, where it is transferred from one Torchbearer to another, spreading the message of peace, unity and friendship. It ends its journey as the last Torchbearer lights the cauldron at the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony in the Olympic Stadium, marking the official start of the Games.

The Flame is extinguished on the final day of the Games, at the Closing Ceremony.  Let's not think about the end before the Games have even begun!

Uniform collection dates have been announced!

Just as the excitement had died down following the test event back in February, I received official notification of collection dates for the uniform and accreditation for the Olympic games.  It's finally happening people, strap yourself in and enjoy the ride, the games are on the way!!!

I will be collecting my uniform in May by visiting West Ham of all places, home to the Hammers.  Here I will be presented with my official Olympic accreditation and uniform for the games.  This will entail:

• two polo shirts
• two pairs of trousers
• one jacket
• two pairs of socks
• one pair of trainers
• one hat
• one water bottle
• one umbrella
• one bag

Wow - just a handful of Olympic Adidas branded goodies - whoop whoop!!!  Each of the volunteers will look something like this:

As ambassadors for the Olympic games, we will surely stand out from the crowd and will not be missed!  Personally it reminds me of the Sainsbury's workforce uniform and I'm not sure if the colour of the trousers has been thought through very well,  as dirt will easily be visible!!! 

Comments on the Olympic forum have ranged from:

"so excited to be wearing this!!! will wear it with pride! am so honoured and proud to be given a volunteer role"

"We'll certainly stand out in the crowds ... which I guess is the whole point. Still looking forward to it though :)"

"HEHE my girls had shell suits like this,,,,,,,,,,, when they were 7yrs old hehe "

"I'm not too sure, I would have thought something with a Union jack, or Red-White and Blue would be more patriotic, but I suppose the Games are about encompassing all people."

and my personal favourite:

"Bring on the Purple Ronnies! Its the Ribena bunch!"

I guess you can make up your own minds.  Just wait till I post my pictures of me posing in the uniform!