How it all works
• The campaign runs from 1 June 2011 until 12 September 2011
• Anyone who has made a positive difference or inspired and supported others in their local community can be nominated
• You can make your nomination online at lloydstsb.com/carrytheflame
• Once the person you’ve nominated accepts your nomination, your nomination will be posted on lloydstsb.com/carrytheflame where it can be viewed and shared via Facebook, Twitter or email to inspire others
• A selection panel made up of Bank representatives and independent adjudicators will review all the nominations and identify a final shortlist in each community. Shortlisted nominations will be chosen based on the difference the nominee has made in their community and the ability of their story to inspire others. A maximum of 10 shortlisted nominations will be identified for each Torchbearer slot.
• Torchbearers will then be selected at random from the final shortlist through a draw in each community.
• Read the full Terms and Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
1.0 General Information
What is the Olympic Torch Relay?
The Olympic Flame will be lit in Olympia, Greece before arriving in the UK on 18 May 2012 and embarking on a 70 day UK wide journey. This journey is called the Olympic Torch Relay. In total approximately 8,000 Torchbearers will carry the Flame through towns, villages and cities, past famous sites and landmarks, before arriving at the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games on 27 July 2012. Lighting the cauldron in the Olympic Stadium signifies the beginning of the Games, and the Flame will burn throughout the Games until the Closing Ceremony on 12 August 2012. Since Ancient times, the Olympic Flame has come to symbolise a message of peace and friendship, to the world.
Which communities will the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay visit?
The London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has designed the route to come within a one-hour journey of 95% of the UK population. The London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay will help shine a light on the best of the UK – from dynamic urban areas to places of outstanding natural beauty, as well as sporting and cultural landmarks. You can find out more about the route and Celebration Communities here.
How do I become a Lloyds TSB London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer?
Lloyds TSB is inviting all UK residents to nominate someone who has made a difference in their local community for the opportunity to carry the Olympic Flame. Go to lloydstsb.com/carrytheflame to make a nomination.
Can anyone make a nomination to be a Lloyds TSB London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer?
All nominators and nominees must be 12 years old at the time of nomination and have a valid UK postal address to participate. Nominations are accepted from 1 June 2011 to 12 September 2011. See full Terms and Conditions for complete details.
2.0 The Selection Process
How does the selection process work?
We will review and assess each nomination for the following criteria to create a shortlist of 10 finalists for each available Lloyds TSB Torchbearer slot:
• Scope of impact: How many people have been affected by the difference the Nominee has made in their local community?
• Inspiration potential: How likely is the Nominee’s story to inspire others?
Who selects the shortlist of finalists?
This shortlist of finalists will be chosen by a panel which will include an independent adjudicator and representatives from: Lloyds Banking Group, Lloyds Banking Group London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Ambassador programme, Lloyds TSB Local Heroes programme , and bank representatives from the 70 Olympic Torch Relay Celebration Communities.
How will the Torchbearers be selected?
The selection panel will then conduct a random draw from the shortlist of candidates to select one individual for each available Lloyds TSB Torchbearer slot. In addition, the selection panel will award up to 70 additional Torchbearer slots across the Olympic Torch Relay Celebration Communities to nominees with an exceptionally inspiring story and who the panel believes should have the opportunity to represent their community as an Olympic Torchbearer.
What about nominees who are under 18?
All nominees under 18 years of age who are selected will require signed consent from their parent or guardian in order to participate. Nominees under the age of 18 and their parent or guardian will be contacted in late September or early October 2011 to return a hard copy of the signed form by the specified date.
If I’m turning 12 after the close of the nomination process but before the start of the Relay can I still participate?
Unfortunately all participants must be 12 or older on the date of submitting their nomination form. There will be no exceptions to this based on participation guidelines set forth by LOCOG.
I’ve been told I’ve been nominated, but haven’t received confirmation, what do I do?
Firstly, please check your ‘Spam’ or ‘Junk’ folder. If the confirmation email isn’t there please email ContactCarryTheFlame@lloydstsb.co.uk with your name, your email address and your nominator’s full name. Remember, the deadline for accepting your nomination is 11.59pm on Monday 26 September.
I’m having difficulties accepting my nomination, what do I do?
If you are having technical difficulties in accepting a nomination please email ContactCarryTheFlame@lloydstsb.co.uk with your name, your email address and your nominator’s full name. Remember, the deadline for accepting your nomination is 11.59pm on Monday 26 September.
3.0 Participation as a Lloyds TSB Torchbearer in the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay
If I am selected to be a Torchbearer when will I be notified?
Every nominee will be contacted by Lloyds TSB by December 2011 and told whether or not they have been preselected to be a Torchbearer in the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. LOCOG will then contact each preselected Torchbearer to confirm their participation and gather further details.
I have been selected as a Torchbearer. When will I find out more details about my Torch Relay participation?
Selected Torchbearers should begin receiving communication from LOCOG in December 2011 to confirm their participation. Individual details will be provided to Torchbearers on a rolling basis up until the date of participation.
If I am selected by Lloyds TSB and through another means can I be a Torchbearer twice?
No. Individuals can only be a Torchbearer once during the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.
If I am selected, can I transfer my Torchbearer slot to someone else?
No, transfers or substitutions of Torchbearer slots are not permitted.
If I am selected as a Torchbearer, how far will I carry the Flame?
Each Torchbearer will carry the Flame approximately 300 meters (0.2 miles). Torchbearers will be able to carry the Torch at their own pace. Those with disabilities can request assistance with carrying the Flame for their allocated slot.
If I am selected as a Torchbearer, where will I carry the Flame?
Every effort will be made to have Torchbearers carrying the Flame in close proximity to their community. However due to the complex logistical arrangements and massive scope of this event, we can’t guarantee you’ll be placed in or near your community. You will be provided with the exact time and location of your slot 4 weeks in advance so you can let your friends and family know.
Can my friends and family watch me carry the Flame?
Yes. Before the event, we’ll let you know where you’ll be carrying the Flame, and we’ll also give you an estimate of the time when you’ll be starting, so you’ll be able to let your friends and family know when and where you’ll be taking part.
Can my friends and family accompany me while I carry the Olympic Flame?
For security reasons, no family or friends will be able to complete your section of the Relay with you. They may follow the Olympic Torch Relay, but only by staying on the side of the Relay path and following the directions of a Torch Relay representative.
Is Lloyds TSB covering the costs of transportation and accommodation for selected Torchbearers to their Torchbearer location?
No, all Torchbearers will be responsible for their own travel costs and any other costs associated with participation in the Torch Relay.
What will I wear as a Torchbearer?
Before the event, LOCOG will give you an official uniform which you must wear while participating as a London 2012 Torchbearer. No visible company logos or brand names can be worn (e.g. on sweatbands, hats, etc.) with the uniform. Because we want you to be comfortable during your Relay experience you are asked to wear your own athletic footwear.
Can I wear weather-appropriate clothing (e.g. jumper, tights) to keep warm if necessary as a Torchbearer?
Yes, Torchbearers should wear weather appropriate clothing under the Torchbearer uniform. Please ensure the clothing is free of any visible company logos or brand names and that it cannot be seen through your official uniform.
Can I move my Torchbearer slot to another day, town or street?
No. We’d like to accommodate everyone’s wishes regarding the time and place of their allocated slot, but unfortunately, because of the complexity and size of the event, you won’t be able to change your Torchbearer slot to another location or day once these have been decided on.
How will I know what to do on the day of the event?
We understand that you may be anxious about your participation in the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, but there is no need to be concerned. On the day of the event, you will be met by an Olympic Torch Relay representative at a designated meeting place or “collection point.” They’ll give you instructions on the event, on how to carry a Torch as well as what you can expect from the experience.
If it is raining, will I still carry the Flame?
Yes, the Olympic Torch Relay will go ahead even in the case of bad weather. In case of extreme conditions (e.g. flooding, hail, etc.) you will be contacted with any changes to the schedule.
What if I require a wheelchair to complete my relay segment?
Once you are selected as a Torchbearer, you will be asked to provide details about any special assistance required for participation in the Relay. All selected Torchbearers with assistance needs will be accommodated within the confines of the Torch Relay. However you must provide your own wheelchair or motorised scooter to complete your allocated slot.
Do you have to pay to be a Torchbearer?
There is no charge to be a Torchbearer. However transportation costs and related expenses must be covered by the Torchbearer.
Will Torchbearers be carrying the Flame continuously throughout the UK?
No. In order to visit as many UK communities as possible, the Olympic Flame will not only be carried by Torchbearers in the populated areas but will also be transported by car, ferry or other means between the communities.
Will Torchbearers get to keep their Torch? How much will it cost?
LOCOG are currently working on the details of this and will provide information once it is confirmed.
When will I find out more information regarding the meeting point, date, time, torch purchase, photos, what happens during Relay time, uniforms, personal items, route, information guide, security, pre-relay information, Torchbearer shuttle, etc.?
If you are confirmed as a London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer, the above details will be provided to you by LOCOG from December 2011 up until your allocated day arrives.
4.0 Lloyds TSB, the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay and our customers
What is Lloyds TSB involvement with the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay?
As the only National Presenting Partner of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, Lloyds TSB will be sharing the spirit and inspiration of the Olympic Flame with communities across the UK by giving people the chance to be a London 2012 Torchbearer or to celebrate the Flame passing through their community.
I am a Lloyds TSB customer, do I have a better chance of my nomination being selected?
No. Carry the Flame is open to the public. Whether or not someone is a customer does not factor in to the selection process. When you make a nomination or are nominated we ask if you are a Lloyds TSB customer so we know what information, offers and updates to send you through Trackside, our London 2012 focused newsletter.
Do I get anything for being a Lloyds TSB customer?
Yes. All Lloyds TSB customers who successfully nominate someone to carry the Olympic Flame will be automatically entered into a draw to win an exclusive London 2012 gift. The nominee does not have to be a Lloyds TSB customer. See the full Terms and Conditions for details.