FIVE young fencers from Lisburn will be carrying the Olympic torch through various parts of Northern Ireland this summer.
Alistair and Jeremy McIlwee, Laurence Slater, his brother Philip and friend Kiara Kennedy are all members of the Gladiators Fencing Club in Lisburn.
They are students at Rathmore Wallace High Grammar Schools and were nominated by Laurence and Philip’s mother Alison for the honour.
The five young people were delighted to be selected.
Laurence will be carrying the torch in Ballynahinch, Philip will be carrying it through Augher and Kiara will be running through Omagh will the flame.
Alastair, 14, will run through Ballynahinch and Jeremy McIlwee, 12, will run in Antrim on June 7.All of the students are passionate about fencing. However, it was their commitment to volunteering that won them the coveted honour.
They all dedicated themselves to volunteering at the British Transplant and Boccia World Cup last summer, helping disabled athletes who were competing.
“I am nervous,” explained Laurence, “but this is a once in a lifetime experience and only 8,000 people get this chance within the whole of the UK.
“I’m am very honoured to have been chosen, but I hope I will be a good ambassador for all of us that volunteer, rain, hail or snow, and I hope it may encourage other young people to volunteer
It was through the fencing club they became involved with Volunteer Now Goldmark which rewards young people for their volunteering in sport. Alastair has already achieved his 50 hours award and is working hard towards his 100 hours award.
Jeremy said “I can’t wait to tell my children and grandchildren that I held the Olympic Torch in 2012 for a whole 300 metres.”
Alison said: “Both are hoping to be selected to help at next years Police and Fire games when they come to NI in 2013. They are excellent ambassadors for sport and Lisburn City.”
Kiara said the news came as a shock to her. “I was a bit surprised because I didn’t know I had been nominated,” she explained. “When I found out I was over the moon.”
Philip added: “When mum told us she had nominated us we were thrilled.
“It is a great honour.”