Wakefield’s torchbearers were grilled by pupils at the first school on the route of the Olympic torch relay during a question-and-answers session.
Ten of the torchbearers chosen to carry the flame through Wakefield, Castleford, Pontefract and Ackworth visited Newton Hill Community School for the event yesterday.
Pupils showed off their Olympic artwork and asked questions about the torch during the visit, where they were joined by Coun David Dagger, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member of culture, sports and libraries.
Thousands of people are expected to line the city’s streets when the Olympic torch relay arrives in Wakefield on the morning of Monday, June 25.
Coun Dagger said: “This is the district’s moment to shine as people from across the world will be watching the flame as it travels through our streets.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our communities to come together and celebrate the spectacle of the Olympic torch relay.
“On the day the atmosphere will be electric, don’t miss out. Line the streets, take a flag or banner and really get into the spirit of this wonderful event.”
Proud torchbearers Karen Townend, Kieron Burke, Harry Crowther, Gayna Goalby, Sam Grundy and Matthew Greaves will be among those doing the honours when the torch arrives in Wakefield at approximately 11.10am.
The relay will pass Wakefield Girls High School, the Bull Ring and the Hepworth Gallery before arriving in Castleford at approximately 11.45pm.
There, torchbearers including Frankie Townsend and Jez Turner will take over, with the torch passing to runners such as Helen Fairhurst when the relay hits Pontefract at around 12.05pm.
The torch is then due to enter Ackworth at around 12.25pm, where Andy Sellars, Michael Cordall and Sharon Berry will be among the proud torchbearers.
Finally, the torch will pass Oakfield Park School, before heading to South Yorkshire at around 1.15pm. For details, visit: www.wakefield.gov.uk/torch
Comments