Swindon's Olympic Handover
Flag Raising Ceremony
On the afternoon of August 24th the Mayor of Beijing handed over the Olympic flag to London Mayor, Boris Johnson. At that moment the UK became the host nation for the London 2012 Olympic Games and to celebrate, local authorities across the country marked the occasion with special flag raising events.
Swindon Borough Council took part in the proceedings with a flag raising ceremony; a peal of bells across the Swindon Deanery and Civic Offices and the Visa London 2012 Party was broadcast live, in partnership with the BBC, on the big screen in Wharf Green.
Swindon Deputy Mayor, Councilor David Wren officially opened the celebrations at the Civic Offices, with stunning performances from Swindon Judo Club, Esprit Gymnastics and a rousing soundtrack provided by Pegasus Brass band.
Local former Olympians and 2012 hopefuls attended the flag raising ceremony, representing Swindon’s potential successes and former achievements. 2012 prospects Louise Hunt (Wheelchair Tennis) and Laura Halford (3 times British Gymnastic Champion) stood alongside previous champions Lesley-Ann Skeete (Bronze medallist at Commonwealth 100m Hurdles) and Keith Bell (Bronze medal power lifter at the New York Paralympics Games in 1984). All were on hand to support the event and speak to the public and media about their experiences.
Councilor Wren said of the proceedings: “The London 2012 Olympics has the potential to inspire Swindon residents to take up sporting activities.” Councilor Wren’s comments were reiterated by Councilor Justin Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Recreation: “I’m delighted to be involved in bringing some of the excitement of the Olympics to Swindon. I hope we can use that spirit to encourage people to use the sporting facilities across the Borough”
The official handover was the beginning of the Swindon strategy for maximising the benefits of the London 2012 Games. Swindon Borough Council is aiming to ensure that all Swindon residents have the opportunity to participate in sport and physical activity, as well as the chance to get involved with coaching, officiating and volunteering. Through educational and inspirational packages, Swindon Borough Council and their partners aim to motivate and support the local community to succeed.
In addition, it is hoped the London 2012 Games create a platform on which Swindon’s business and tourism sectors can be showcased. The aim is to promote Swindon as a major leader in business, education, tourism, arts and culture, heritage and transport.
The peal of bells marked ‘Two Minutes of Noise’ at 3.45pm across the Swindon Deanery including:
- St Mary - Rodbourne Cheney
- St Augustine - Gorse Hill
- St Leonard - Broad Blunsdon
- St Peter - Penhill
- St Philip - Upper Stratton
- St Mary - Purton
- St John the Baptist & St Helen - Wroughton
- St Mary - Lydiard Tregoze
- All Saints - Lydiard Millicent
- St Margaret - Stratton St Margaret
- St Mark - New Town
- St Mary the Virgin - Bishopstone
- St Swithun - Hinton Parva
- St Michael - Highworth
- Christ Church - Old Town
Swindon Borough Council would like to take this opportunity to thank all those that took part in the event and helped to mark the occasion.