THE hunt is on for torchbearers to carry the Olympic flame around the Isle of Man next year.

News that the Olympic torch will be coming to the Isle of Man was released this morning, followed by an appeal for volunteers to carry the flame on its route around the Island.

It will be on day 15 of its 70 day journey around the UK, having started out at Lands End. The Olympic torch arrives in the Isle of Man for the 2012 TT on June 2nd.

The organisers want “the most inspirational people to have their moment to shine.” The minimum age limit is 12.

David Cretney MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure, said, “We have many inspirational people in the Island and I hope people will take this opportunity to nominate them to showcase the wonderful talent and bravery Island residents can demonstrate.”

A total of 8,000 torchbearers will be needed to carry the Olympic torch on its 8,000 mile journey around the UK and the British Isles.

Together with the three presenting partners – Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung – LOCOG is seeking 

The nomination portal at www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay asks nominators for up to 150 words on why their nominee should carry the Olympic flame. The deadline for nominating through the LOCOG campaign is midnight on Wednesday June 29.

Judging panels will be set up in each nation and region of the UK to select the torchbearers for their area and the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure will work with LOCOG to confirm the torchbearers for the Isle of Man. 

Around 90% of the 8,000 torchbearer places will be made available to the public through a number of channels including the four public nomination campaigns to be run by LOCOG, Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung.  Each of the 8,000 torchbearers will have a story of achievement and or contribution to their local community.