South Leeds: 2012 Olympic torch route revealed

On By leeds11

Full details of the route the iconic Olympic Torch is to travel through Leeds this summer as part of its nationwide journey have been announced today – and includes parts of Hunslet and Beeston.

The Olympic torch will pass Cross Flatts Park

On Monday 25 June, the flame’s journey goes from Leeds Town Hall and travels through the city centre before heading to the Royal Armouries.

Then it goes over historic Leeds Bridge to Hunslet, along Balm Road and Moor Road, and is then taken on a lap of the John Charles Centre for Sport’s running track. From the sports centre it then it goes up to Dewsbury Road for a short stretch and through Beeston – including Tempest Road and Beeston Road and passes Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium before heading through Churwell and Morley and out of the city.

The names of the streets and venues the symbolic flame will pass through can be seen on a map at www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay.

A press photocall was held at Cross Flatts Primary School this morning featuring pupils and torchbearers.

Local communities along the route are being encouraged to host their own celebration events to mark the flame passing, while thousands of Leeds schoolchildren will also be celebrating the torch on its journey through the city. Any group wishing to host or get involved in any celebrations along the route can contact Jon.price@leeds.gov.uk for more information.

Among the torchbearers who will carry the flame on its journey include the two official nominations made by the city of Leeds – Steven Tomlinson and Aidan Dixon.
Steven from Rothwell is the 14-year-old son of the inspirational Jane Tomlinson CBE, who lost her battle with cancer in 2007 but whose legacy continues through the Jane Tomlinson Appeal which has now raised over £4million for children’s and cancer charities.
Steven will be following in his mother’s footsteps as Jane carried the Olympic Torch herself ahead of the 2004 Games in Athens.
Aidan Dixon has been nominated after turning a troubled early life around.  From volunteering as a senior member of Windmill Youth Club, the 18-year-old from Oulton has gone on to secure a job as a behaviour support worker at his old school Royds.
Leeds City Council executive member for leisure – and Beeston and Holbeck councillor – Adam Ogilvie said:
“I’m sure people in Leeds will start to get really excited about the Olympics when they look at the maps and the detail and see that this iconic symbol is going to pass down their street or close by.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for communities across Leeds to put on an amazing party, and in Steven and Aidan we have two fantastic torchbearers, so we are counting the days to this incredible occasion for the city and our country.”

FInd out more details about the torch here.