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With less than 10 weeks to go to the start of the 2012 Olympic games, it is no wonder that the world is watching as the U.K. prepares to hold the world's biggest and most acclaimed sporting event.

 

David Beckham greeted the symbol of the Games, the Olympic Torch, as it arrived in London, starting the 70-day journey around Great Britain, beginning at Land’s End, the southwest tip of England, and ending at the Olympic stadium in London.

 

The Torch relay is a tradition that allows the torch to enter the hands of a diverse group of people. Although there are a number of famous people who will be taking part, London has chosen to highlight the ordinary people of the U.K. who all have heartwarming, inspiring stories to lead the world into the Olympics.

 

One such lady that has everyone talking is Ms. Dina Gould, who turns 100 years old today and is the oldest torch-bearer in Olympic history -- a woman that is an inspiration to many athletes competing from around the world. Another female that is raising the flag for the younger generation is Europe’s PERFECT Junior Teen Sula Powell. Niece to record-breaking sprinter Asafa Powell, Sula will be running the torch through her hometown in Scotland, maybe not breaking records, but definitely inspiring young women around the globe to chase their dreams.

 

The Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games will take place on Friday, July 27, 2012, commencing with an Athletes Parade.

 

At the start of the Athletes Parade, 2,000 schoolchildren will line the route of the procession from the Olympic Village to the Olympic Stadium, holding lanterns and banners to support the athletes. The Athletes Parade will see the participating countries' teams enter the Stadium, nation by nation. Teams enter in alphabetical order, apart from the Greek team, which always enters first, and the team of the Host Nation, who enters last.

 

As well as having the opportunity to cheer on the world’s best athletes and be part of a global moment, the schoolchildren will also get the exciting chance to tour the Olympic Park and see some of the London 2012 venues.

 

With specially designed tickets for the Olympic Games going on general sale this week, and with the Olympic Torch making its presence felt across the U.K., it finally feels like the event the whole world has been waiting in anticipation for is about to commence. Bring on the medals!

 

 

- Anysha Panesar, YH Staff