15/02/2012
Two Bishop Grosseteste University College Lincoln students - Jade Etherington and James Roark - have been chosen to carry the Olympic torch through Lincolnshire on its way to London for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.
Jade (20) from Bourne and James (21) from Horncastle are being rewarded for their contribution to sport and the community.
Jade, who is currently studying Education and Geography, was nominated by BG to carry the torch and has been given a conditional offer to do so, which is scheduled to be confirmed in March.
A a partially-sighted alpine ski racer suffering from Glaucoma and Axenfield's Syndrome - a genetic condition that causes fluid blockages in the eye and can lead to total blindness - Jade is also aiming to qualify for the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.with the British Disabled Ski Team.
"I've never done anything like this before," said Jade. "Carrying the Olympic torch this year is a brilliant opportunity for me to become involved with the Olympic experience leading up to the 2014 games in Russia."
"Hopefully, my being an Olympic torchbearer will also help raise awareness about the Paralympic Games while representing Lincoln as a sporting city."
James, a Horncastle native and a student at BG, has also been selected as an official Olympic torch bearer for Lincolnshire.
"It's an honour and a privilege to be offered this once-in-a-lifetime experience," said James. "Friends and family have been telling me carrying the torch will be something to tell the grandchildren, and I definitely agree."
Currently studying Sport and Education at BG, James is also a swimming instructor and lifeguard at Horncastle Swimming Pool, where he has been teaching people ranging from three to 80 years old how to swim for four years.
He was selected as an Olympic torch bearer for the difference he's made in the community through teaching swimming to people in the area.
"I enjoy passing on my knowledge and experience about the sport - whether it be educating young children about the fun and enjoyment of swimming as a leisure activity, instructing athletes on how to swim competitively, or teaching adults that never learnt to swim as a child how to swim."
"Being a competitive swimmer from a young age and reaching county and regional level over the years makes seeing people enjoy something I enjoy even more rewarding."
The Olympic Flame will make its way through Lincoln on Wednesday 27th June before reaching the Olympic Stadium in London on Friday 27th July for the start of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.
Hâf Merrifield, Deputy Principal of BG, commented: "Sport is a prominent aspect of life at BG with increasing numbers of sports specialists studying here. Our first cohort of Sports Studies students graduated in 2011 and were joined by former England goalkeeper Ray Clemence, who became an honorary graduate of Bishop Grosseteste University College."