Future Flames

I've banged on enough about how shitly (word) portrayed teenagers are in the media, so when I was asked to be involved in Coca Cola's Future Flames campaign I jumped at the chance. The Olympics comes to London next year, and it's not just the games itself which needs to be organised, but the torch relay too. 8,000 miles of UK soil need to covered in the space of 70 days, and that needs a lot of runners to accomplish. This is where YOU come in. Instead of just sporting stars and celebrities carrying the flame, Coca Cola want the best of British youth to be nominated (by themselves or others) and have a once in a lifetime chance to run with the Olympic torch. They want people who are passionate, ambitious and deserve to be recognised as those who are a credit to our country.

An event was held in Westfield, London, where Future Flame Ambassadors (young people already chosen to run with the flame), London 2012 hopefuls and music stars appeared in front of the press and the audience that had accumulated throughout the day to perform and urge people to nominate. I was asked to go as part of the press (I frickin' KNOW RIGHT, I got a pass and everything) and was able to go to the photocall and Q&A before the concert. Dizzee Rascal, Eliza Doolittle and You Me At Six totally brushed past me, but I kept my composure. Ahem. Being young themselves, they were all so up for helping the campaign and each gave their voice on it...


Dizzee Rascal: “It’s time to recognise young people in this country and Coke’s Future Flames campaign does just that.  See the person, not the age.  I see young people judged all the time and there’s negativity about them.  But people should look at reality – many young people are making a positive difference but no one hears about it.  We can change that by nominating the Future Flames we know.”

Eliza Doolittle: “It's great that Coke is giving young people the chance to be involved in something as amazing as the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. The youth of the UK get such bad press, which I really don't think they deserve.  We all need to recognise the huge amount of positive things teens are doing and what they give back to the community - everyone needs to nominate the Future Flames they know.”

Josh Franceschi from You Me At Six: “All around the country young people are using their love of music, dance, sport and the environment to make a positive difference.  It’s amazing that along with Coke we’re going to celebrate them with the chance to run with the Olympic Flame – what an awesome experience!  Everyone should get involved.  Get nominating theFuture Flames you know.”

Now, come closer. Bit more. And again. Excuse me, yep you, could you just, yep, squidge up a bit, there we go. Let's all just imagine for a minute that you're an Olympic torch bearer. You've been chosen from thousands to represent not only British youth, but the whole country in one of the most historic events. You've been given a t-shirt (I assume. There are always t-shirts), a torch of your own, a spot to wait, the media's attention, and a reception of hundreds, maybe even thousands, who have come out to watch the now famous torch bearers, you, run with the flame. IMAGINE THAT. Running with the Olympic flame. Totally famous. But of course being a part of something so great and feeling proud to represent the youth is much more important than being famous. Of course. Obviously.

SO GET NOMINATING! You have until 5th September 2011 to nominate either yourself or others who you think deserves the opportunity to be recognised and run with the flame. https://secure.cokezone.co.uk/olympics/index.shtml
GET INVOLVED PEOPLE! YOU'RE YOUNG AND YOU'RE BRILLIANT! Motivation over.