One is a teenager adapting to life as a double amputee the other as a pensioner who has become an ambassador for Newry in the running world. Now together they will have the once in a lifetime honour of helping keep the Olympic flame alive during its journey through Newry in June. The Democrat can reveal that 16-year-old Ryan Cinnamond and 66-year-old Willie McCracken have been confirmed by the organisers of London 2012 as Olympic torchbearers. An we can also reveal that the torch’s arrival will be marked by a massive celebration concert at Pairc Esler. Sponsored by Samsung and Coca-Cola the ticketed event will see 10,000 people enjoy an evening of entertainment with the acts to be announced in the coming weeks. Announcing the news Mayor Charlie Casey expressed his delight at the unique occasion was falling during his tenure. “Certainly it will never happen in my lifetime again and it’s an event that will give everyone in the city the opportunity to get together and enjoy the spectacle,” he said. Ryan Cinnamond and Willie McCracken, both of whom were nominated by council will be beacons for Newry as the world watches the torch make its way through the city. Although separated by half a century the two torchbearers share a similar get-up-and-go attitude to life. Ryan has touched the entire district and beyond with his resolute refusal to beaten by the loss of his legs after an aneurysm in late 2010. The young man’s fighting spirit illustrated in his insistence on completing his GCSEs just months after his ordeal, has captured hearts and minds. Speaking about being ed Ryan said simply that he is “proud and privileged.” Willie McCracken meanwhile is a noted Newry athlete who has enjoyed a lengthy and highly successful running career. The local legend has been pounding the pavements some 40 years and can still be seen trying to outdo the vehicles on the
Newry bypass. “I’ve achieved a lot in my career. I have been to many different places and met many different people. But this is the pinnacle,” he said.
Newry Democrat
20th March 2012
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