Here Comes the Olympic Torch

Today the Olympic Torch passed through our area.  We joined the crowd at the Ascot Racecourse to cheer the torch through Berkshire.

Waiting, waiting, waiting from our perch above the Parade Ring

The Torch Relay dates back to the ancient Olympic Games.  Before each Games,  the Flame is lit from the sun's rays during a traditional ceremony at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, Greece.  It's quite the tradition!

The rain came down and the "brollies" went up

After the Flame is handed over to the host city it is carried by a series of Torchbearers spreading the message of peace, unity and friendship.  8,000 torchbearers will carry the Flame through the United Kingdom this year.  During its 70 day journey, the Flame will be within an hour of 95% of people in the United Kingdom.  Which means many, many people all over the country will have a chance to see it.

There it is- right behind us!

Denise Lewis, who won a Gold medal in Sydney in the heptathlon, carried the Flame into the racecourse and made a lap around the Parade Ring.  I love her enthusiasm!

Denise Lewis carries the Flame through Ascot Racecourse

Then the Flame was handed off to Frankie Dettori, a jockey famous for winning seven races in one day.   His horse was a less enthusiastic participant, and was quite spooked-  first by the inflatable "rattles" in the crowd and then by the Flame itself.   But once Frankie had the Flame, they took their lap to the cheering of the adoring crowd.

Frankie Dettori carries the Flame

And after all that waiting, the kids were rewarded with a fun fair and a Mr. Whippy. 

You can follow the route of the torch relay here.  The Flame will end its journey in 17 days when the last Torchbearer lights the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, marking the official start of the Games.  I can't wait to watch that on TV!  Will you be tuning in, too?