The honour of being an Olympic Torch Bearer

Guest blog by Olympic Torch Bearer Andrea Snow

It is magical being one of those 8,000 inspirational people, who carry the Olympic Flame as it journeys across UK before the Olympic Games begin on 27 July, 2012.

Weymouth, 13 July 2012

I had several minutes of “flame” and a truly wonderful “moment to shine”; a great honour to be one of the Torch Bearers from Hungary. Nominated last year, Samsung and LOCOG gave me the opportunity to celebrate for a lifetime.

I have made significant changes with small and severely disabled children’s lives in Care Homes in Budapest. Since the Trust was formed I have run six marathons all over the world on my own cost to raise awareness and donations for the Trust. I am a three-time New York marathoner (preparing for the fourth time in November 2012), ran in San Diego, Madrid, London and also completed ten half marathons and raised over 21 million HUF to better the Seedlings lives. I have taken uncounted steps, battled long miles introducing the charity running model to Hungary, wrote Heart Over Heels – a top ranked book for runners  (the income of the book is pledged to the Seedlings), organised several unique events, where disabled children have played an important role in the social and sport events. The Road to London – one of the recent events where British Ambassador Jonathan Knott also took part was a great success.

My “moment of shine” experience was just like a dream. Raised by the alarm clock at 3:00 am, travelled to the briefing organised for the Torch Bearers, followed on by an early 8:20 start in Weymouth, Dorset on the South coast of England. The weather was bliss, no rain, a slight wind, we even had some rays of sunshine warming up our hearts anyway full of joy and pride. Friday the 13th was a magnificent day for me and for the crowd. My face was full of smiles and tears, emotions overflowing, and my heartbeat was faster than ever, even though it was not a full marathon, that 350 yards with the flame, accompanied by family and friends was a miracle.

I shone inside and outside, felt like a true hero and was electrified with energy, probably I even had wings not arms. It was a proud moment to be part of this wonderful event, and I wish to thank everyone making this possible, congratulate the organization, and thank the wonderful English crowd for creating a perfect moment for us all involved.

Andrea Snow
Founder and Chairman of the Seedling Trust – Csemete Alapítvány (2009)