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Torch Relay Test to Showcase Leicestershire

London 2012 fever is growing with news that Leicestershire will host the national test event for the Olympic torch relay.

Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for health Ernie White has welcomed the exciting announcement and the opportunity it brings to put the county in the spotlight.

Mr White said:"Hosting this prestigious event is a feather in Leicestershire's cap and a unique opportunity to showcase the area to a national audience.

"Leicestershire is famous for its sporting heritage and there is nowhere better to test out such a historic occasion.

"Managing the relay is important and being selected as the national dress rehearsal venue is testament to the steps being taken by ourselves, the police, city and district councils and others to ensure our communities can celebrate the event safely.

"The Games are a once-in-a-lifetime sporting occasion and by encouraging young people into sport and helping communities bring celebrations to life, we are creating a fitting legacy."

LOCOG (London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games) announced on Tuesday 21st February that the event - the only one of its kind in the country - will be staged in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland on Friday, 20th April.

The dress rehearsal will recreate the Leicester to Peterborough stretch and will test out logistics ahead of the 70-day relay which starts in May.

The test convoy will recreate the torch's journey on 3rd July and will travel through Quorn, Loughborough, Hoton, Wymeswold, Asfordby, Melton Mowbray, Langham, Oakham, Uppingham and Stamford.

The 80-mile stretch has been selected as it represents a typical but technically challenging day on the relay, takes in both rural and urban locations and allows every element of the relay to be tested, including alternate modes of transport.

For further information, please contact the London 2012 Press Office on 0203 2012 100 or visit the website at www.london2012.com.

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Comments

Mick

At 20:57 on 25th February 2012, Mick commented:

This is good stuff. I need to get back to Leicester. Does anyone know of any good house sitters in Leicester? <a href="http://leicesterhousesitter.blogspot.com/">House Sitter Leicester</a> available March - November.

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