Forty-one Christchurch residents will have the privilege of carrying the Olympic torch through the city on Monday 5 June (Queen’s Birthday) and many more are expected to turn out for the event.

The torch bearers have been chosen by the New Zealand Olympic Committee from nominations submitted late last year. They include promising young athletes and community-minded people.

Deputy mayor Leslie Keast is part of the relay team along with councillor Erin Baker, a former world champion triathlete, and councillor Graham Condon, a wheelchair athlete.

Other well-known torch bearers are Crusaders captain Todd Blackadder, Flames captain Julie Seymour, Coast to Coast organiser Robin Judkins, multi-sport champion Steve Gurney, cyclist Brian Fowler and swimmer Danyon Loader.

The torch will arrive in Christchurch from Queenstown and start its journey from the airport at 4.15pm. It is expected at Ilam Fields at 5pm and Mona Vale at 5.15pm. It will be carried through Hagley Park to the Avon Bridge at 5.45pm. Todd Blackadder will be the last runner and hand the torch to a city official in Cathedral Square, where there will be a short ceremony at 6pm.

The Olympic torch will then be taken on its way to Wellington, Rotorua, Auckland before its final destination, Australia.