Beijing axes second London torch relay

By Paul Carter

A second torch relay will not be taking place in London after Chinese officials cancelled a Paralympic version due to be held ahead of this year’s games.

In a statement, the Beijing Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (BOCOG) said it had decided to “modify” arrangements for the Paralympic torch relay under the principle of “safe, simple and effective”, following the earthquake that hit China in May.

Both the domestic and international legs of the relay have been cancelled.

BOCOG claimed that the changes were made “to allow the Chinese government to focus on the rescue and relief work”, and to “show support” for the people affected by the earthquake.

However, the move also comes after relays for the Olympic Games were marred by protests and disruption from pro-Tibet demostrators.

Disabled comedian and activist Francesca Martinez pulled out of the original relay in protest against China’s human rights record.

The Beijing 2008 Paralympic torch relay would have been the first ever to include an international element, visiting London, Russia and Canada, along with 16 domestic legs and a route in Hong Kong.