Paralympic flame visits Bath
The Paralympic flame arrived in Bath on Friday 24th August 2012 ahead of a day of carnival celebrations in the city.
It was welcomed into Bath Spa railway station, carried by double gold medal winning Paralympian Steve Brunt and leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council Paul Crossley, who had travelled to London to collect it from Trafalgar Square.
They were met by civic leaders and enthusiastic crowds and set off in a horse and carriage to take the flame to a reception at the Assembly Rooms, hosted by B&NES chairman Councillor Rob Appleyard, for community groups and organisations linked to disability and sport.
On Saturday, eight inspirational people from across the area led a 2,000m Lantern Relay in front of the Rio Carnival Procession as it made its way through the centre of Bath and into the Rec.
They include Andy Stewart, who had surgery after a cycling accident that left him fearing he would never walk again; Leanne Cole, 20, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of four and has had chemotherapy and several major operations; and 15-year-old disabled runner Kelly Hutchins, who has cerebral palsy. Read all the Lantern Bearers stories by Clicking Here.
BBC Radio 1’s Breakfast newsreader Dominic Byrne compered the evening section, interviewing members of the ParalympicsGB Team and taking on medal-hopeful Will Bayley at table tennis. An estimated 7,000 people attended the Paralympic Flame celebrations in Bath making it a hugely successful event.
After the Paralympic Flame Celebrations, the Paralympic Lantern are now on display for the public to see in the Sun Lounge at the Pump Room, Bath, from Sunday until Tuesday.
