The Isle of Wight Council is thanking the public and volunteers for the successful welcome the Island gave the Olympic Torch Relay on Saturday 14 July.
Around 50,000 people are estimated to have watched the Torch as it made its way through Totland, The Needles Park, Yarmouth, Gunville, Carisbrooke, Newport, Osborne House and East Cowes.
Several messages were publicised during the weeks leading up to the event that anyone seeing the torch should try and leave their car at home and walk in or use public transport.
There were no reported problems on the roads either in the build up to the event or following it. Town and parish councils also provided volunteer marshals to help manage the crowds and put on welcoming events such as fun fairs and entertainment.
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 (main picture above) as it made its way along Fairlee Road.
Newport crowds photographed from the Guildhall. Images Isle of Wight Photo Agency.
David Pugh, Isle of Wight Council leader 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.”
High definition video highlights of the Torch Relay as it passed through Newport town centre have been made available on the council’s YouTube channel. You can see the video www.youtube.com/user/IWCouncil view online.
View more photos from the Isle of Wight Photo Agency: Olympic Torch Relay click here www.wightphoto.com/olympictorch2012 external website link.
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