Seventeen-year-old Ilan Wyn will be given his torch by the WRU to display in the home that he shares with sister, Teleri, mother, Sue, and father, Bryan, who was seriously injured while captaining Bala against Nant Conwy in 2007.
Ilan was granted the unique opportunity to carry the Olympic Torch due to his commitment and compassion for the game of rugby, despite growing up with Bryan’s accident which has left him paralysed from the neck down.
The young second row is a hugely determined rugby player and has followed in his father’s footsteps to captain Bala at Under 16 level as well as the school team.
Ilan has also demonstrated an interest in developing as a coach and referee under the relevant WRU development programmes.
Welsh Rugby Union Chief Executive Roger Lewis said: “Ilan is a special young man and a great ambassador for the community game of rugby in Wales. I am delighted that he has been granted the opportunity to represent his family, his hometown and his rugby club during the Olympic Torch Relay.
“It gives me great pleasure to present Ilan with his Olympic Torch, which we have purchased for him and hope that it represents wonderful memories for Ilan and his family for years to come.”
Ilan has thanked the WRU for allowing him the opportunity to keep the Olympic Torch that he will carry through Porthmadog on Monday.
“It is a huge privilege to be involved in the London 2012 Olympics and I’m so proud to be carrying the Olympic Torch and representing Bala,” he said. “This is a unique opportunity and to get to keep my torch after the event is a real treat. I am so grateful to the WRU for the kind donation.”
As the official Olympic Flame enters Wales today, the countdown is on for Ilan who is one of four torchbearers set for Porthmadog.
“As the event gets closer I’m getting more excited. I’m usually known for being quite relaxed but me and my family will be really excited by the time Monday comes,” he added.
“I’m hoping that Dad will be well enough to support me at the relay but it’s still too soon to know how he’ll be feeling. If he doesn’t make it out on Monday, I now know I can bring the torch back home and keep it in the family forever.”
Ilan has also planned to visit his school after the relay. “I’m looking forward to showing the torch off around Bala and will take it to my school for everyone to see. I’m so proud that I can share this experience with everyone around me.”
