Bad weather blamed for Paralympic Torch Relay delays - Second flame on stand-by
Paralympic organisers have arranged for an alternative flame to be lit at tonight’s Opening Ceremony after admitting the Torch Relay is running late.
The procession left Stoke Mandeville later than planned last night, and is currently about 90 minutes behind schedule.
So a lantern, lit by the unified flame, will be taken to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford to ensure the ceremony is unaffected by any delays.
The relay was due to reach Stratford Park just before 10pm.
A Locog spokesman said: “Should the torch relay run late, this flame will be used to light the cauldron this evening.
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“The torch relay will continue to Stratford Park for the planned celebration. From there the relay flame will be transferred to a lantern and used as the back-up flame during the Games.”
The spokesman said the bad weather was partly to blame, and that a number of steps have been taken to try to bring the relay back to the original time schedule.
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They are keen not to disappoint the large crowds that have lined London’s streets to enjoy the procession.
