A question of torches...
8000 people are running with the Olympic torches, a smaller number are running with the Paralympic torch...
In between the previous Olympians and annoying celebs there are people who do take the Olympic spirit, those who push themselves beyond the realms of the possible and into the realms of the incredible.
I know some of them, on both relays - they're the people who do so much behind the scenes to make the world a better place, do things that no one asks them to, or pays them for. They try, and strive to go beyond.
They live the Olympic Creed -
"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."
They fight well, and are faster to help others, reach higher to hold others hand and provide the strength that sometimes other lack.
They look to others like a spirit in motion, that constant bustle that makes others shudder and look on and wonder where that drive comes from.
Be it personal tragedy, a battle to right wrongs, or a combination their spirits burn brighter than any flame. I've stood near that flame, and watched it kindle the flames in others.
It's easy to be cynical when you see a non-British judge on a Saturday evening TV show trot along, its easy to sneer at some of the commercialisation, the cost or the size of the entourage. But don't - somewhere in that over 8000 people will be someone who kindles a fire in you, and that eternal flame of their spirit is what this relay is about.
As for me, I was honoured to be nominated for both relays. Both nominations were a surprise, coming out of the blue without me expecting them or seeking them. Knowing that people think that my flame burns that bright gives me more kindling and oxygen to carry on.
So find your local torch bearer, and feel the warmth from their flame, for long after the torch has gone out
TTFN
Paul
In between the previous Olympians and annoying celebs there are people who do take the Olympic spirit, those who push themselves beyond the realms of the possible and into the realms of the incredible.
I know some of them, on both relays - they're the people who do so much behind the scenes to make the world a better place, do things that no one asks them to, or pays them for. They try, and strive to go beyond.
They live the Olympic Creed -
"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."
They fight well, and are faster to help others, reach higher to hold others hand and provide the strength that sometimes other lack.
They look to others like a spirit in motion, that constant bustle that makes others shudder and look on and wonder where that drive comes from.
Be it personal tragedy, a battle to right wrongs, or a combination their spirits burn brighter than any flame. I've stood near that flame, and watched it kindle the flames in others.
It's easy to be cynical when you see a non-British judge on a Saturday evening TV show trot along, its easy to sneer at some of the commercialisation, the cost or the size of the entourage. But don't - somewhere in that over 8000 people will be someone who kindles a fire in you, and that eternal flame of their spirit is what this relay is about.
As for me, I was honoured to be nominated for both relays. Both nominations were a surprise, coming out of the blue without me expecting them or seeking them. Knowing that people think that my flame burns that bright gives me more kindling and oxygen to carry on.
So find your local torch bearer, and feel the warmth from their flame, for long after the torch has gone out
TTFN
Paul
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