Spooner Director As Olympic Torch Bearer

Spooners' Steve Newell With Olympic TorchSteve is passionate about sport and last year completed one of the hardest endurance events there is; the Ironman UK. The Ironman consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run which Steve described as his ‘mid-life crisis’. He completed the mammoth challenge in under 14 hours raising over £1,400 for Cancer Research.

He was chosen by the organisers of the London Olympics after being nominated by his colleagues at Spooner Industries, for helping to raise £10,000 through competing in triathlons and other sporting events as well as putting himself forward for Director punishments, which included being placed in the stocks for Comic Relief.

Steve, 46, commented, “I was already excited about the Olympics coming to the UK, but to play a part in it by being chosen as a torchbearer is more than I could have wished for.”

Steve plays an active role as Director of Spooner Industries, one of the largest employers in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, with over 150 staff. Spooner manufactures industrial process equipment and supplies to a variety of industries all over the world. The company was established by Mr William Wycliffe Spooner in 1932 so will celebrate the 80th year in business this September.

The Torchbearers will carry the Olympic Flame during its 8,000 mile journey around the UK before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium on 27th July 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Steve carried the torch through Bradford on Sunday 24th June, along with friends, family and plenty of Spooner co-workers who lined the streets to cheer him on and rejoice in the Olympic celebrations.