Monday, June 11, 2012

Aberdeen ignited by London 2012 Olympic Torch

70 days, 8 000 torchbearers and the beginning of a sporting event that sees the world come together.  


Crowds line the sides of Union Street in Aberdeen to secure their places to cheer the torchbearers on and catch a glimpse of the Olympic flame. 


Large screens show the crowds what is happening on the main stage set up at Castlegate Square. 



Entertainers keep the crowds in good spirits as they brave the cold while waiting for the torchbearer to make the last leg of its journey into Aberdeen. 



A birds eye view for the police. 


People of all ages came to see this once in a lifetime event. 


The final torchbearer of the day was Evelyn Capper, 60, voted by her community for her dedication and warmth as a full time foster carer. 










 Professional golfer and Ryder Cup legend Colin Montgomerie OBE also carried the torch on its journey into Aberdeen. 

The torch will continue on to Dundee, Edinburgh, York and many other towns before ending at the Olympic stadium on the 27th July during the Olympic Games opening ceremony. 

I waited more than two hours in the cold at the side of the road in a crowd of thousands for just a glimpse of   a torch that flickered by me almost quicker than I could take a photo. Many would ask if it was worth it, and I would have to answer them 'yes, it was'. I guess the only way I can explain it is that the Olympic flame is all about symbolism. For me the torches represent what Pierre de Coubertin describes as 'an increasing friendly understanding among nations, for the good of a humanity always more enthusiastic and more courageous' 

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