Coca-Cola informs a selection of ‘Future Flames’ that they’re just one step away from carrying the Olympic Flame during London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay next year
Northern Ireland: 8 December 2011: Coca-Cola today announced that local teenagers, Aymen McGonigle (15) from Upperlands, Lucy Camlin (16) from Antrim and Peter Brittain (18) from Bangor have made it through to the final stage of becoming a London 2012 Olympic Torchbearers, thanks to Coca-Cola, during the Olympic Torch Relay next year.
Lucy, Peter and Aymen; all extraordinary young people who have a burning passion which brings happiness to others – were handed an invitation to carry the Olympic Flame next year.
Aymen McGonigle, a Downhill Mountain Bike enthusiast has been passionate about his sport for two years – selling everything he owns to build his own bike. The teenager who built his own racing track in his home town of Upperlands does all his own repairs, mechanics and fixes other people’s bikes – all of which he taught himself. Amyen clearly demonstrates passion and dedication for his sport and in his entry says: “I want to do well in downhill racing, get a career out it and have fun”.
Lucy Camlin, an aspiring Olympian who at the age of 16 represented Ireland at the Youth Olympics, dedicates her spare time to coaching junior hockey and volunteers in her local Special Olympic club, helping others achieve their dream to be the best they can be. For Lucy sport is so much more than playing a game – in her entry she says: ‘It has enhanced my whole life and has taught me valuable lessons in relating to others and working as a team. I hope to share this knowledge through my volunteer work and continuing to coach hockey.”
Peter Brittain, a local volunteer, dedicates his spare time to Bangor based charity FASA which deals with suicide awareness and drug addiction. As a regular volunteer he wants to develop his work with the charity and continue to provide a service to the community helping vulnerable people. In his entry he says: “Suicide and drug addiction is one of the most prevalent issues throughout Northern Ireland, yet little is known about its cause. My goal is to help raise awareness of these issues through FASA in Northern Ireland and further a field.”
To recognise and reward the positive contributions made by young people every day in the UK, Coca-Cola, a Presenting Partner of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay spent the summer searching the country for Future Flames: young people who use their passion in areas like sport and physical activity, music and dance, and community and the environment; to spread happiness in their local communities.
All successful nominees now need to confirm acceptance of their place with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) before the final list of Coca-Cola Olympic Torchbearers is announced on 14th February 2012.
Until then, they are invited to join the Coca-Cola Future Flame Torchbearer Facebook group to enjoy exclusive content and socialise with other Future Flames.
James Quincey, President, Coca-Cola Northwest Europe and Nordics, said:
“We have been overwhelmed by the thousands of outstanding nominations that we have received as part of our Coca-Cola Future Flames campaign this year. It’s been truly inspiring to learn about the many different ways young people are spreading happiness in their local communities, and we’re very excited to now be offering some of these people the once in a lifetime chance to carry the Olympic Flame next summer.”