First Minister welcomes Olympic Torch to Wales

The First Minister Carwyn Jones will welcome the Olympic flame to Wales today as it begins the latest leg of its relay around the UK.

The torch will pass through more than 80 towns, villages and cities in Wales between 25th – 30th May. Hundreds of runners will carry the flame through the route which covers all 22 Local Authorities in Wales. All the torchbearers are inspiring people with amazing individual stories to tell.

The torch will be centre stage at four overnight stops in Cardiff, Swansea Aberystwyth and Bangor that will all be major celebratory events.

The First Minister will welcome the flame at an event in Monmouth.

He said:

“It is good to welcome the Olympic torch to Wales as this is a fantastic opportunity for all those chosen to carry the torch to show the world the things that make Wales unique.

“From journeying on a Ceredigion Cob and Llangollen canal boat to passing through our landmarks old and new, such as Caerphilly Castle and the Millennium Stadium, this looks set to be an exciting week for the relay and everyone involved.”

A significant number of countries have opted to base their pre-Games training camps in Wales ahead of London 2012. Paralympic squads training in Wales include Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Mexico, China and the US Paralympic cycling squad.

The First Minister added:

“The fact that so many countries have opted to base their pre-Games training camps here in Wales reflects the hard work put in by the Welsh Government and our partners in the build up to London 2012. It shows we have the kind of facilities and sporting infrastructure that top Olympic and Paralympic teams are looking for.”