The Bite Magazine - Summer 2012 - Issue 5

A ll it takes is one spark, and a flame is born; just one flicker of passion, determination and ambition, and the world is alight with hope. From time to time, a flame gains the strength and power to inspire a fire. It is those few capable of kindling a considerable blaze that retain the influence, hope and worth of a torch bearer. At 15 years old, Scottish model Sula Powell has ignited the warmth within many through her extensive charity work and has been honoured with the title of a torch bearer for the London 2012 Olympic Games. When Sula enters the room all eyes turn towards her. Beaming with a wide smile, she greets me with an unexpected yet natural hug. Though taken aback at first, I find myself grinning, radiated by compassion that is so very rare. As one of the 7300 torch bearers, Sula will carry the Olympic flame through her hometown of Cupar in Fife on June 12, contributing to its 8000 mile journey through the UK before arriving in the London Olympic Stadium on July 27 for the game’s opening ceremony. Sula smiles bashfully, “I am excited but also nervous. This is such a big achievement for me.” Out of the thousands of entrants for the Coca-Cola Future Flames campaign, Sula was one of the 500 deserving young people carefully selected by an all-star panel. It was Sula’s mother, Lorraine, who entered her daughter into the competition. Leaning off the edge of her chair, Lorraine gestures towards her daughter, “Sula is just an ordinary girl who has worked hard to help others. I am very proud of all the work she has done for charity and of her modelling success, she has achieved so much.” As part of the application process, entrants had to make a video for their particular category, such as sports or environment, which was judged by celebrities such as Dizzee Rascal and Eliza Doolittle. The moment I mention the video Sula bounces into action and within a matter of minutes, I am watching a slide show of pictures featuring Sula completing the Race for Life, helping at a Riding for the Disabled Event and standing outside a Cancer Research centre. “I was shortlisted in September and on the 2 nd of December I found out that I had been chosen. I was really shocked. I did not know what to say.” From the tender age of 13, Sula inspired by the giving nature of both CHOSEN FROM THOUSANDS OF HOPEFUL PARTICIPANTS, SULA POWELL WILL CARRY THE TORCH THROUGH FIFE IN SCOTLAND AS PART OF THE LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES CEREMONY. CORRINE MCCONNACHIE SPEAKS TOTHE PASSIONATE AND HUMBLE YOUNG MODEL THAT HAS TOUCHED THE LIVES OF MANY THROUGH HER HEARTFELT CHARITYWORK. Photographer: Laura Mckinnon Girl Fire The on