Kingsbridge Kingfishers

Olympic Torch Relay comes to Plymouth and Kingsbridge

Sunday 20 May 2012

A small group of KKSC families travelled to Plymouth to try to catch a glimpse of the Olympic Torch Relay on the first day of its 8,000 miles trip around the UK.  Who could turn down an opportunity to get up close and personal and have a group photo taken with a real Olympic Torch? Certainly not us!  As the crowds swelled around the Main Event Stage on Plymouth Hoe, prior to the arrival of the Torch in the early evening on Saturday 19th May 2012 (co-incidentally, also KKSC swimmer Maddie Gautier’s 9th birthday), a live stage show hosted by ex-Blue Peter presenter Andy Akinwolere took place - Britain’s Got Talent contestants, Twist and Pulse and chart-topper Labrinth were the main draws.  A big cheer went up when the last Runner of the day finally arrived on stage to light the Cauldron.

The following morning, it was Kingsbridge’s chance to bask in the limelight of this once in a lifetime occasion.  How lucky were we to have the Olympic Torch passing through our small town?  KKSC swimmers did their Sunday morning training as normal and gathered (with their parents) along Embankment Road soon after, to enjoy a light breakfast of freshly cooked hot sausages and rolls washed down with a mug of delicious hot chocolate. Then it was time to sort the paddling pool, comlete with wind-up swimmers - just to add to the fun.  Everything seemed to be on schedule, the Olympic Torch was in sight.  It was hilarious when the the Torch Runner was led a little off course nearly missing a planned stop on the Quay completely and causing the convoy of vehicles to double back on themselves.  An idle vehicle waiting alongside didn't deter us from missing an ideal photo opportunity when mum Karen Arscott yelled there's "someone famous in the back of the lorry"  (BBC Spotlight presenter Justin Leigh), some quick thinking person pushed our new KKSC banner into his hands for an impromptu bit of publicity!  Due to the minor mix-up on the route, we saw two Torchbearers for the price of one!  The atmosphere was great and it was absolutely fantastic to see the Olympic Torch (with all the razmatazz) pass just in front of our eyes.

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