By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

July 1 - Dover is to step-up its campaign to have the Olympic Torch arrive in the UK in 2012 via the Kent port, just as it did the last occasion London hosted the Games in 1948.



Charlie Elphicke, the MP for Dover and Deal, has already asked in Parliament whether the Torch can arrive via Dover and is supporting the on-going campaign to showcase the advantage of the town staging the event.

He said: "I will continue to press to bring the Olympic Torch into the UK through Dover.

"Like the Olympics, our iconic White Cliffs have stood for the values of international cooperation, integrity and fair play for generations.

"What better way to mark the beginning of the Olympics than to bring the Torch through Dover?"

The Torch Relay is due to arrive in Britain from Greece - where it will be lit - on Friday May 18, 2012, and spend the next 70 days travelling around the UK before being the centrepiece of the Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium in London on July 27.

Dover launched its campaign for the Torch to begin its journey in Britain there in March 2008 when Dover Pride unveiled a series of plans designed to enhance its campaign. 

These included a flag hand-over street party to coincide with the end of the Olympics and Paralympics in Beijing, where bands and street performers entertained crowds before the party was capped off with a firework display in the evening.

There was also a link with the 1948 relay, which came through Dover, as John Barrett, who carried the torch on that occasion, paraded the same torch at the event.

There will be strong support for the Torch to arrive in Britain via Dover as Sports and Olympics Minister Hugh Robertson is also an MP in the county, for Faversham and Mid-Kent.

The Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "Mr Elphicke makes a powerful case, and I am sure that he will continue to do so."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
June 2010: Exclusive - Plan for Olympic Torch Relay to visit Dublin before London 2012 given big boost
May 2010: Coe wants Olympic Torch Relay to inspire Britain
May 2010: London 2012 release details of Olympic Torch Relay
March 2010: London 2012 appoints Freud to head PR team
March 2010: Plan for London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay to visit Dublin backed