Islanders thanked for Olympic torch welcome

By a County Press reporter

Monday, July 16, 2012

 

VIDEOS

THE PUBLIC and volunteers have been thanked for their part in making Saturday’s Isle of Wight Olympic torch relay a success.

An estimated 50,000 people watched the torch make its way from Yarmouth to East Cowes.

Among those to help with the operation were town and parish councils, who provided volunteer marshals, while there were events across the Island to mark the occasion.

Ahead of the event the council advised spectators to leave their cars at home to reduce traffic problems and a spokesman said there were no reported problems.

Isle of Wight Council leader, Cllr David Pugh, said "A lot of planning went in to welcoming the Torch ever since we knew it was coming early last year, although publicly we could not say that until LOCOG announced the routes.

"The Isle of Wight gave the Olympic Torch a huge welcome and I want to thank the public who clearly heeded the advice for Saturday and as a result we had no reported problems.

"I also want to recognise the contributions of the town and parish councils, Yarmouth Harbour Commission, staff at The Needles Park, Raynet, the Maritime Volunteer Service, Isle of Wight Search and Rescue and staff at Osborne House for their help.

"This really was a true community effort and the whole Island can look back on this historic event with a lot of pride. Apart from a couple of short showers, even the weather held out."

The morning of the Olympic Torch Relay also saw competitors take part in the annual Primary School Games. Children, their parents, staff and volunteers at the Primary School Games gave the torch a rousing reception as it made its way along Fairlee Road, a council spokesman said.

See videos from the day below, including one from the Isle of Wight Council.


Video by SB Clarke.

Video by SB Clarke.

Comments

Log-in or register to comment on this story.

By ticking "Remember me" you agree to a cookie being stored on your computer - no personal data is shared.

Forgotten your password?

Any views or opinions presented in the comments above are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the Isle of Wight County Press.

Most Read

  1. Down the hatch

    Sunday, May 19, 2013

  2. Hundreds turn out for Race for Life

    Sunday, May 19, 2013

  3. Thousands affected by power cut

    Monday, May 20, 2013

  4. Job losses at Isle of Wight College

    Monday, May 20, 2013

  5. Cyclists complete gruelling 300-mile ride

    Sunday, May 19, 2013