Welcoming the Torch Relay

When the Olympic Torch comes through Ipswich on 5 and 6 July there will be a large celebration in Christchurch Park, which could be an opportunity for the churches to be represented and have a profile.

Paul Daley is hoping to get something organised. He says “What I am looking for is a few other people who would be interested in getting involved and drawing up some plans and trying to get something happening.  We could aim to get some more volunteers for the day nearer the time.”

More Than Gold is a national Christian organisation that encourages and helps churches get involved in local events relating to the Olympics. Paul quotes the following from their website:-

The seventy days leading up to the opening of the Games sees the Olympic flame run the length and breadth of the UK – in a massive cavalcade involving a team of 8,000 torchbearers.

This Torch Relay will stop morning and evening at 140 communities, weaving its way through many more. As a result, most of the population will be in travelling distance of this great spectacle.

Each community where the Torch Relay stops is expected by the organising committee of London 2012 to give it a spectacular welcome. This could involve entertainment, shows and concerts with a local flavour.

Most authorities will welcome the help of churches including through –

• Creative and performing arts – using their own talent or bringing it in from outside the area
• Hospitality - including being part of the One Million Cups of Water programme.
• Volunteers – from crowd control to specialist advice and help.

The Torch Relay is also an opportunity for prayer

Paul adds “If we can form a small group, it may be that some other Olympic connected ideas will emerge which we could try and pull the churches together on.”

Paul Daley can be contacted at pauldaley@virginmedia.com