John Kelly’s nomination story

John became a member of Leigh Sailing Club in 1973 and continued as a member when they amalgamated with Lowton Sailing club to form Leigh and Lowton Sailing Club in 1986. He became a sailing instructor in 1984 and senior instructor in 1988. He took over as training manager in 1990. He is also responsible for junior and adult training. John`s commitment is all year round; he devotes every Friday evening in the summer to the training of youngsters from the age of seven upwards, and the majority of Saturday mornings to the training of adults. He is an inspiration to youngsters and adults alike, imparting knowledge and skills to beginners who perhaps wouldn`t take up the challenge without his encouragement. The result is that a number of the juniors go on to represent at regional and national level and many adults develop into good club sailors at relatively late stages of their lives. Indeed, he trained myself at the age of 44 and I continue to sail at the age of 69. He is professional in manner and ensures that the quality of training is excellent. He is respected throughout the sailing community and his work was recognised by the Royal Yachting Association in 2009 for his Lifetime Commitment and Outstanding Contribution to yachting.

For further information about the route and det5ails of all the torch bearers:-

http://www.london2012.com/games/olympic-torch-relay/torchbearers/detail/451B-4CA5-2566-504C

When we have further details of timings and exactly where John will be carrying the torch we’ll let you know and we can all go along and support John.

· Carrying the Flame on: 23 Jun 2012

· Carrying the Flame through: Whitefield

· Age: 75

· Hometown: Manchester