Gold Medallist Jonathan Edwards and the Chairman of the International Paralympic Committee Sir Philip Craven were amongst the VIP guests when the 2012 Roadshow visited Much Wenlock on 10th July 2006.
The 2012 Roadshow is touring the UK with the aim of promoting the sporting, economic and tourism potential of 2012.
Much Wenlock was included in the tour due to its significant contribution to the history of the Games. The town is the birthplace of Dr William Penny Brookes, founding father of the Modern Olympic Games.
It was in 1850 that the first “Olympian Games” were held in the town. Thanks to the efforts of the Wenlock Olympian Society, they are still held in the town each year, though of course on a slightly smaller scale than their International descendent!
The Society is also devoted to preserving the memory of Dr Brookes and all around the town you will see traces of the Olympian heritage.
The “Olympian Trail” takes you on a walking tour, showing the areas of historical significance (leaflets available from the Tourist Information Centre) and in the Museum you will a rich assortment of Olympian artefacts.
The 2012 Roadshow fittingly coincided with the final day of the 120th Wenlock Olympian Games.
Jonathan Edwards and Sir Phillip Craven were greeted by members of the Wenlock Olympian Society and other local dignitaries before attending a Reception in the Holy Trinity Church.
The visitors were clearly impressed by the beauty of the town and the presentation by the Olympian Society.
At the end of his speech Sir Phillip told his audience that “All Britons and... all the world... need to know about Much Wenlock”.
Jonathan Edwards presented the Norman Wood Memorial Trophy on behalf of British Olympic Association. He told the guests he was incredibly excited to visit Much Wenlock and he felt a tremendous sense of something special and magic, standing in the place where Dr Brookes helped inspire the birth of modern Olympic Games.
Following the Reception, the visitors walked briefly around the town, greeting a crowd of well-wishers and signing autographs before ending the tour with a visit to Much Wenlock Museum.
