Chris Basiurski
Carrying the Flame on: 26 Jul 2012
Carrying the Flame through: The London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
Age: 33
Hometown: London
Chris loves sport. He participates in it, he is a spectator, he enjoys it, he sometimes gets angry about it, he shouts about it, he works for it and he makes sacrifices for it. The Gay Football Supporters’ Network was set up over a decade ago to help promote football to a small section of society that, for some within it, were sometimes made to feel marginalised simply by joining-in a sport its members loved. The GFSN incorporates three elements: playing, supporting and promoting. Chris is elected the Chair of this organisation and has been involved for many years, nearly all during his spare time. He plays in a GFSN affiliated team (in the world’s only gay national league, here in the UK), he helps arrange social functions, trips to games, international tournaments and promotes the cause. This week he is meeting the Prime Minister at a reception in Downing Street to talk about diversity in sport. He was part of team that brought IGLFA World Championships to London in 2008 and he works with national and local media to promote the organisation’s message, most recently on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. He also works with the FA on its diversity panel. He is an avid Manchester United fan. He is a trustee of a lcoal youth club. He has taught archery to youngsters, he participates in various sports and of course plays football. Most importantly, he is extremely excited about the prospect of being part of London 2012.The GFSN was set up over 20 years ago and has 3 elements - playing, supporting and campaigning against homophobia. Our league is the world`s only national football league aimed at the LGBT community but is open to all regardless of sexuality.
Trevor Burchick
Carrying the Flame on: 24 Jun 2012
Carrying the Flame through: Stockport
Age: 51
Hometown: Salford
Trevor Burchick MBE is an inspiration to all, having been awarded the MBE and awards for his voluntary services to the communities across Greater Manchester, Trevor is well known for his creative PrideGames and in being a leading voice for community groups in chasing out hate crime and homophobia from sports by encouraging more lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people to take part in over thirty different sports. Pridesports has blossomed to become a beacon of hope for many, promoting equality of opportunity into sport not only for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community but as an encouragement for the wider community that inspires all socially excluded people to see how taking action can bring about inclusion. Trevor achieved in ten years a defining respect, trust and admiration that ensures everyone, regardless of culture, age, disability, sexuality, economic or diversity factor is able to have the right to participate. In being a Torchbearer Trevor would not be running alone as on his shoulders will be all those groups, individuals, ideas and dreams he represents.
Kevin Bartlett
Carrying the Flame on: 03 Jun 2012
Carrying the Flame through: Ballycastle
Age: 51
Hometown: Ballymoney
Kevin has been passionate about sport throughout his entire life: competing in athletics, badminton and rugby for over 40 years and he now devotes his time to coaching the future talent of the UK in all of these sports. He coaches men and women`s rugby, is a level 3 hurdles coach and also finds time to be a qualified referee for Ulster rugby. Kevin was also a pioneer for raising awareness of the Gay Games and as well as being involved in the British gay and lesbian sports federation, he competed for the UK in the Vancouver games in 1990; winning a Gold and Silver medal for athletics. In his working life, Kevin helps disabled people into employment and strives to give them the motivation to succeed. He has received many compliments from both employers and clients throughout Northern Ireland about the work he does and the feeling of `being someone` that he gives his clients is simply priceless. I think Kevin deserves his moment to shine and carry the Olympic torch for part of its journey throughout the UK as he gives every second of his time, both in and out of work to helping other people and giving them the encouragement and ability to push themselves further and achieve whatever goals they desire. I was a level 3 Hurdles coach (stopped coaching athletics actively in 2003)
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