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Olympic Torch Relay to visit Channel Tunnel

On July 18, 2012, just a few days before the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Olympic Torch Relay will arrive at the Channel Tunnel Terminal in Folkestone and will travel through the nine kilometre section of the Tunnel between Folkestone and Samphire Hoe at the foot of Shakespeare Cliff.

As part of the Olympic Torch Relay, which will cross the length and breadth of the United Kingdom, visiting the country’s most iconic and prestigious locations, the Olympic Torch will travel underground from Eurotunnel’s Folkestone Terminal to the 30 hectare nature reserve, constructed from the spoil extracted from below the Channel during construction, and which is now a haven of biodiversity, at Samphire Hoe.

At Samphire Hoe, which hosts 110,000 visitors every year, there will be community events organized throughout the day to provide an opportunity for the public to come and share the excitement and see the Torch as it is carried on the nature trails around the Hoe by the torchbearers.

Jacques Gounon, chairman and chief executive of Eurotunnel, stated: "I am delighted that the organisers of the Olympic Torch Relay have chosen the Channel Tunnel as one of the emblematic sites that the Torch will visit. The Channel Tunnel was recognised as a vital link between people and nominated as the Engineering feat of the last century and one of the seven wonders of the modern world. To see the Olympic Torch here is a great honour and we look forward to an exciting event."

Sebastian Coe, chairman of LOCOG, added: "Today we bring the Olympic Torch Relay to life. The Flame symbolises the Olympic spirit and its journey around the UK will bring the excitement of the Games to our streets. Now that people know the route the Olympic Flame will be carried along and the Torchbearers for their community, they can start planning how they might celebrate and make it their moment to shine."