Andrew Palmer (known to all as 'Palmer') is one of the 8,000 torch bearers carrying the Olympic flame through the streets of Britain from 19 May. We caught up with Palmer, who lives in Eastbourne, to find out more about his inspirational journey to becoming a torch bearer.
So Palmer, you’ve been given the prestigious job of carrying the Olympic torch, how excited were you to hear the news?
Yes when I got the email that I’d been nominated I was very shocked. My wife kept it a secret and I didn’t realise she had nominated me. Then when I got the news I had been picked out of 80,000 people I said “I’ve been picked!”. Since then I’ve also been nominated to be an Ambassador for Sport for 2012 – it was a shock!
We hear that you have done a fantastic job working with young people in sport, what have been your highlights?
I have been working with children and young adults for over 15 years on various projects, and often head hunted to collaborate and direct various programmes.
Ranging from helping single parent dads and lads with bridging gaps using sport as a tool to bond and from working with children with learning difficulties, to those with disabilities. I have worked in numerous schools in the Midlands, and was Manager of the Nottinghamshire Football Association Youth U18’s as well as coaching and scouting for Leicester City FC.
I feel that my main highlights have been coaching the Nottingham Schools Football Association and working as a Learning Mentor at Radford Primary school, organising for 14 children the trip of a lifetime to Liverpool FC to watch a game. Working with children/young adults and building confidence and self-esteem is fantastic so they can all be classed as highlights.
You’ve done some outstanding work in the community reducing gun & knife crime through sport, how should people get involved in helping their community?
For the last 30 years I was brought up in a house of 6, by my Mum in inner city Nottingham. I managed to not to get involved in crime, in fact I’ve never done drugs and I don’t drink. So when I was asked to work with young adults both boys and girls involved in gun and knife crime I took it in my stride.
Working with young adults on the project was tough at times, but once there is mutual respect then it gets easier. I think that the best way to get involved is those that can, should go about finding out what the young people want and help to put on those activities - at the same time getting involved, with the activity. The community must not put something on for short periods then let it stop. There must be some sort of sustainability and continuity. ”Todays children are tomorrows adults”.
You’ve been living in Eastbourne now for 2 years, what attracted you to the town? And how do you like to spend your time off?
What attracted me to Eastbourne was my wife had done some research and found out that it was along with Cornwall the hottest part of UK. Not only that we had heard that it was quite relaxed and we wanted to be by the sea. I like to spend the time off with my wife Carla and the kids. We have a 16 month old boy that I’m now showing my sporting prowess to.
Olympic year must be a very busy year for you, what is your latest project?
It is a busy year, my latest project that me and my wife have set up is a mentoring service for young adults trying to access a career in football. So those looking for a chance in semi pro, professional or even just a career in other areas of football.
We are now living in the era where most young people and children believe that you can be the next Rooney or next Lewis Hamilton or maybe a famous singer, just like that. Most Saturday nights children are with their Mums (or sometimes Dads) watching X Factor and these shows have given children a false sense that fame is easy.
We forget that children/young adults can get rejected and need a helping hand. So with this consultancy my aim is to help those that may have been released by clubs or those that need a pep talk to help them.
On 29 June you’ll be carrying the iconic torch relay through the streets of Nottingham, what are you doing to prepare for the special day?
I’m preparing by walking along Eastbourne beach gingerly hahaha, eating healthy as I always do and doing one arm press ups hahahaha - that torch might be heavy!
The torch comes to Eastbourne on 17 July, will you be cheering on the other torchbearers?
Yes of course I will be cheering the other torch bearers on. It’s an honour to be picked. So many people have fantastic stories to tell over coming so many obstacles in their lives. Supporting others makes them smile and lets them know they are deserving of being such a good human being. I will be out on the streets clapping and cheering them on. I think everyone in Eastbourne should get involved.
What sports will you be cheering on at the Olympics?
Well I love sports. I know that sports is one of the main vehicles that help adults and children learn. It can inspire people to do greatness, it can make a person with no legs walk and a blind person shoot an arrow. We mustn’t forget there’s the Paralympics as well so I will be watching both. I know that watching the 100 metres sprint is one of the favourite events (my mum comes from Jamaica same as Usain Bolt) but at the Olympics I like watching most of the sports.
Any advice you can give to budding sports men and women?
My advice to sports men and women is work hard, don’t be afraid to try and be confident. My motto is ‘Believe and you will Achieve’ oh yeh and stay off the drugs!
Finally, 2012 is a momentous year for Britain, what lasting legacy would you like to see from these fantastic celebrations?
The lasting legacy should be the continuity of sports, particularly at the grassroots. Quite often with these events people pour money into the start of the project but then when it finishes it fades away and all we are left with is memories of the games. There needs to be more from the government to help young adults in terms of job prospects and pathways into sport. Instil a belief structure that builds hope and unity.
Thank you to taking the time to talk to us Palmer. Good luck for the big day and we look forward to seeing you at the celebrations in Eastbourne on 17 July.
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