A total of almost 8000 inspiring torchbearers have been selected to carry the flame during the 70 day relay. John will carry the torch through Ripon on Tuesday 19thJune. 

He was selected in recognition of his contribution to North Stainley Junior Cricket team which he began coaching in 2002 when there were just six children. Today the club has more than 100 children, aged between three and 15, playing in six teams as well as nine indoor teams during the winter. Last season three of these teams won local leagues and Johnalso recently played an instrumental role in setting up a girls’ cricket league.

John says: “Since I began coaching at North Stainley its incredible how quickly the club has grown and we also now have a great group of parents who help out every weekend. We all find encouraging children to participate in sport hugely rewarding and some of our youngsters are now playing for both North Yorkshire and Yorkshire which is fantastic.

“To be given the chance to carry theOlympic Torch is a once in a lifetime opportunity and it’s a hugehonourto be part of such a historic event. I heard Lord Coe speak in Leeds in 2007 and his message was that everyone should be inspired by the UK winning the Olympics and I can’t believe that I’ll now be part of it. Tens of thousands of people were nominated and mine was one of just 20 that were selected by The Daily Telegraph and Lloyds TSB which makes it even more special.”

The Olympic Torch is a tradition dating back to the ancient Olympic Games in Greece whena sacred flame burned continually. Today the flame is stilllit in Greece before being handed to the host city to begin its relay. It’s then used to light the cauldron at the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony and mark the official start of the Games.