The Frome moment to shine with the Olympic Torch arrived. Even though I was struck down with pneumonia, nothing was going to keep me from seeing, experiencing and being a part of this amazing event.
The streets of Frome were lined with young and old, sporty and the not-sporty. The buzz was enhanced with the bunting drizzled across every alley way and along the high street. Flags, hats, t-shirts were adored with Olympic signs. Everyone was getting into the spirit of the Torch’s arrival and ultimately the Olympic Games.
Before it arrived in Frome, the Torch had already has a 4-day journey which started in Greece. It kicked-off it’s UK journey in Land’s End in Cornwall.
The Number 8,000
8,000 seems to be the magic number for our Torch. There are 8,000 circles on the 800mm posh Torch to represent the 8,000 Torchbearers. And 8,000 miles of the UK will be covered. It is made with a special aluminium alloy (developed for the aerospace and automotive industry). It was then tested in a BMW climatic testing facility and on the top of Snowdonia. But is still managed to go out at least once that I know of (which is pretty funny)!
This is a similar situation to the Olympic countdown clock in Trafalgar Square. Within 24 hours of it being officially unveiled to mark the 500th day before the start of the Olympic Games, it dramatically stopped! And considering it is an Omega made by the Swiss Swatch Group….funny!
The Number 3
So much detail has gone into the design of this Torch. The Torch itself has 3 sides, which is inspired by a series of ‘threes’ which are important to the London Olympic Games. Here are some Olympic THREES:
- Olympic values of RESPECT, EXCELLENCE and FRIENDSHIP
- Aspects of the Olympic motto: FASTER, HIGHER, STRONGER
- Times London has hosted the Games – 1908, 1948 and 2012
- Components of the vision of the London Games – SPORT, EDUCATION and CULTURE
- Messages the Torchbearer hope to spread when transferring the Flame from one Torch to another: PEACE, UNITY and FRIENDSHIP
THIS VIDEO is the proud moment the Torchbearer run along the Frome High Street
After its long journey across the United Kingdom, passing through over a 1,000 communities and within no more than 10 miles of 95% of the population, the Torch will have encouraged millions to come out and celebrate.
It will arrive in London for the Opening Ceremony on Friday 27th July and so far the best kept secret in the country is who and how the Flame will be lit in the stadium. There is much excited speculation!
For the duration of the Games the Flame will be a symbol of all that makes this event so special – bringing together the best of the best, from across the globe in love and friendship.
(26th May 2012)
