Sonia O’Sullivan, hurling’s equivalent of Wayne Rooney and pop duo Jedward were among an eclectic mix of torchbearers as the Olympic flame made an historic visit to Dublin.
London 2012 organisers had to get special dispensation from the International Olympic Committee to take the relay across the border, after international stops were banned following protests that marred the build-up to the Beijing Games.
The flame was passed during a symbolic border crossing between Olympic boxers Wayne McCullough and Michael Carruth, watched by local schoolchildren.
Henry Sheflin, widely regarded as one of the greatest hurlers of all-time, later carried the torch at Croke Park, the 83,000 capacity home of the Gaelic Athletic Association.
Special Olympics volunteer Alva Nolan took the flame to visit the Irish Taoiseach Enda Kerry while other torchbearers in Dublin included Michael Carruth, a gold medallist boxer at the 1992 Olympics and international rugby players Shane Horgan and Denis Hickie.
John and Edward Grimes, who finished sixth in X-Factor, eighth and 19th in Eurovision but claimed bronze in Celebrity Big Brother, also ran while O’Sullivan, the Irish team’s chef de mission for London 2012, lit a special cauldron at St Stephen’s Green, Dublin.
“This is a historic moment for us in Olympic sport,” said Patrick Hickey, president of the Olympic Council of Ireland.
“The Olympic flame coming south to Dublin shows the importance of sport in building bridges for peace and a recognition of the all-island composition of Team Ireland as it goes for gold at the London Olympic Games.”
© Sportsbeat 2012
Source: www.thesportreview.com
London 2012 highlights 50 ways to get involved in the Games - International Olympic Committee
With 50 days to go until this summer’s Olympic Games, the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) has unveiled 50 ways for people across the UK and around the world to join in with the Games.
With suggestions of free ways to get involved with London 2012, activities to organise with friends and family, London 2012 Festival events to attend and many other ways to get involved without leaving the comfort of your home, there is something out there for everybody, including schools, sports fans, and culture lovers.
Suggestions include planting flowers in the shape of the Olympic rings and holding an Olympic quiz with friends and family, and there are links to download everything you need to get started (london2012.com/thebiggamesquiz).
Children have also been encouraged to get involved by learning the official London 2012 mascot dance or baking a ‘Mount Olympus Pudding’, with the recipe available online (www.london2012.com/localleaders).
LOCOG is encouraging people to try an Olympic sport, while there are also a multitude of ways that people can get involved in the Games online, such as entering the 'Inspire a generation' photo competition on the London 2012 Facebook page, following @London2012 on Twitter or downloading the Official London 2012 Join In App – a mobile guide to help you plan, enjoy and share your Games experience (london2012.com/mobileapps).
LOCOG Chair Seb Coe said: “By releasing this list, we want to demonstrate that whatever your interests, there is a way for you to be part of London 2012. We are urging the UK public to join in, and to keep their bunting and flags ready to mark what will be an unrivalled summer of sport, culture and celebration.”
Source: www.olympic.org
No comments:
Post a Comment