The Olympic Torch Relay was in Kettering on Monday 2nd July on it’s marathon up, down and around the country before the first event on 27th July and the opening ceremony on 29th July.
It was unlikely that my wife and I would ever have another opportunity to see something like this again in our lifetime, or even in my daughter’s lifetime, so off we went to track down the torch.
The crowds of people were quite staggering and everybody was in good spirits despite the rain. After walking about a mile, we made it just in time to see Jim Redmond bearing the Olympic Torch at Wicksteed Park.
Those of you that are as old as me may remember Jim Redmond. He became famous at the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games when he helped his son, Derek, who had torn a hamstring injury in the 400m semi-finals and lay stricken on the track. Jim entered the track to help him finish the race and in doing so, created a historic Olympic moment.
Next we dashed into Kettering town centre and made our way to the Market Place where the Olympic Torch was on display for a short while. Mayor James Hakewill and Deputy Mayor Keli Watts were there in their regalia to welcome the Torch and meet with the next bearer, Alice Barnes.
There were musical and dance acts to enter the crowds whilst the Olympic Torch was on display. Also among the entertainment was the Kettering Olympic Gymnastics Club
Alice was selected by Lloyds TSB who are Presenting Partners of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. 16 year old Olympic hopeful, Alice Barnes, from Towcester, who won the National Mountain Bike Championship this year. She was selected because of her commitment and dedication to her sport of cycling and inspiring her peers through becoming involved in school sport such as her involvement in National School Sport Week.
Alice is an athlete on the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes programme. Lloyds TSB Local Heroes, in partnership with SportsAid, supports future stars of Team GB and ParalympicsGB on their journey to London 2012 and beyond. To find out more visit lloydstsb.com/localheroes
