10th November 2011

PORTLAND: Olympic torch makes two visits to island

by Harry Walton

ORGANISERS have revealed the official route that the Olympic torch will take through Weymouth and Portland.

It will arrive on July 12th from Portesham and first visit Chickerell, Wyke Regis and Osprey Quay on Portland from where it will journey by sea to Weymouth beach where it will become the heart of evening celebration events.

The next day on July 13th the torch will continue on its way via Portland Bill, Southwell, Weston, Easton and Fortuneswell before heading away east up the coast through Preston and Osmington en route to Bournemouth.

The torch’s visit to Weymouth and Portland forms part of a 70-day 8,000-mile UK tour taking in more than 1,000 locations including 47 in Dorset starting on May 19th, 2012, the day after it arrives in this country from Greece.

Details of who will be carrying the torch will be revealed in December.

Weymouth and Portland Olympic spokesman Councillor Howard Legg said: “As the largest venue outside of London, it’s only right that local people get the opportunity to be involved with this unique event in the borough and the announcement about the torch relay is fantastic news. It promises to be a grand occasion.”

Dorset Olympic Board chairman Angus Campbell said: “This is a great opportunity for communities across Dorset to touch the spirit of the Games and showcase our remarkable county on the world stage.”

PICTURE: The Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Councillor Graham Winter holds the London 2012 torch relay community invitation