SPORTS

British armed forces to act as Games flag bearers

March 09, 2012 11:10 IST

British servicemen and women will carry the national flags at the team welcome and medals ceremonies at this year's Olympic Games, the London 2012 organising committee said on Thursday.

Members of the Royal Navy, Army and Air Force will act as flagbearers at the 100 team welcome ceremonies in the days leading up to the July 27 start of the Games and at the 805 victory ceremonies during the Olympics and Paralympics.

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"The flag-raising duties at Olympic and Paralympic Games are seen as an honour but we are in fact honoured to have these inspirational men and women be part of London 2012," Games chief Sebastian Coe said.

One of the 176 service personnel selected, Squadron Leader Lee Cobley, has family links to the Olympics with his father Don competing twice in modern pentathlon.

"My father represented Britain at the Melbourne and Rome Games so they hold a special fascination for me," Cobley said.

The anthems for the medal ceremonies have been recorded by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

 

Source: REUTERS
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