Wellington based Jason Eade was confirmed as one of the Olympic Torchbearers in London. On Saturday 23 June the Wellingtonian will carry the torch on a stretch of the journey in Preston, England. Eade is a passionate sportsman who was the winner of four New Zealand Boxing Championship titles before having his life turned upside down by a tragic motorbike accident in 1991. Despite this setback, Eade was determined and turned his attention to wheelchair-based sports. He was ranked 2nd in New Zealand in wheelchair tennis from 1992-1996. He also competed in wheelchair basketball from 1992-1996. Today, his goal is to play for the US Amputee Gold Open. About being nominated for the Olympic Torch Relay, Eade says: Representing New Zealand my friends and family, is a huge opportunity. There are many people Ill be thinking of as I take my "moment to shine" as a London Olympic 2012 Torchbearer. Its going to be a lot of fun. Jason was nominated by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the official Olympics partners. Globally, a total of 70 of IHGs personnel will carry the torch on behalf of their families and communities. In addition to sponsor nominations, some 37,000 people applied to take part in the Torch Relay. The selection of the bearers was based on the positive difference to the community or the environment an individual had made, or in recognition of an outstanding achievement in their life. In total 8,000 people will carry the torch on its 70-day journey through England, which begins at Lands End on 19 May and weaves 8000 miles (13,000km) through major cities and landmarks, tiny villages and remote islands, to arrive in London in time for the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony on July 27.
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