Walking boots at the ready, the Olympic torch is coming to town
Torbay residents are in for a treat on Sunday 20 May when the Olympic flame makes its way through the area.
The torchbearers will be starting their relay on Totnes Road, Paignton, and finishing the 8.9-mile stretch at St Marychurch Road, Torquay.
In celebration, Sanctuary Housing is encouraging people to bring along a pedometer and walk, jog or run the distance in support of The Herald Express’ loveLIFE campaign.
loveLIFE is a Torbay and South Devon initiative, designed to encourage and inspire people to take responsibility for their health and change their lives for the better.
The 12-month campaign is challenging the people of Torbay and South Devon to quit one million cigarettes, run, walk, swim or cycle one million miles, lose 100,000lbs in weight, and to dance, zumba, walk and skip their way to a collective 1,000,000 steps.
To mark the Olympic torch relay, a special celebratory event organised by Torbay Council will also be held at Torre Abbey Meadows from 4.15pm. The mini-Olympics is set to feature a number sports demonstrations and classes, as well as a whole host of other free activities.
In support of the event, Sanctuary Housing will be giving out free bottled water to keep residents hydrated throughout the day’s activities.
Richard Keeley, Sanctuary’s regional director – who has pledged to cycle a 20-mile route across Torbay in support of loveLIFE − said: “We are encouraging local residents to come down and take part in this historic day.
“Whether they want to walk, jog or zumba the stretch or take part in the Torre Abbery Meadows event – the whole day will be a great way to kick start the Olympic feeling and tot up those loveLIFE miles.”
To get a free Sanctuary Housing pedometer, pen and notebook, Sanctuary residents just need to sign up to the loveLIFE challenge via The Herald Express website. By making a pledge to get healthy in 2012, residents will be able take part in a number of fun events – including organised bay walks.