An Olympic Handover Flag will be raised at the Guildhall in Much Wenlock by the Wenlock Olympian Society (WOS) to celebrate the moment when London becomes the official Olympic Games Host City, on Sunday 24th August 2008.
A first in the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the iconic London Olympic Handover Flag will be raised at the Guildhall in Much Wenlock simultaneously with regions across the United Kingdom at a special celebratory event taking place in the town centre between 1.00pm and 3.00pm. The WOS is the only non-governmental body to have been given this honour. Local authorities across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin have also been given similar flags to raise at the moment that the Olympic Flag is passed from the Mayor of Beijing to the Mayor of London.
Giles Birt, Chairman of the WOS said, “This is a unique and momentous occasion. The Society is delighted to have been asked to raise this special Flag to mark the beginning of the 2012 journey, and that Much Wenlock will be at the heart of Shropshire’s celebrations as the home of Dr. William Penny Brookes, creator of the Wenlock Olympian Games and founding father of the Modern Olympic Movement.”
The Olympic Handover Flag in Much Wenlock will be one of over 500 flags delivered to locations including HM Armed Forces, embassies around the world, City Halls, British Council offices and Foreign and Commonwealth offices.
Cllr Barbara Craig, who represents Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin on the West Midlands Leadership Group for the 2012 Games commented, “It is an honour for the Wenlock Olympian Society to have been granted this Olympic Handover Flag and for it to be raised on the Guildhall in Much Wenlock. This event marks the start of our journey towards the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and we are looking forward to sharing in these celebrations. We are very proud of the legacy that Dr. William Penny Brookes began when he started the Wenlock Olympian Games in 1850 and this is a wonderful opportunity to share the story of Penny Brookes with the rest of the world.”
Amongst the locations in the UK, Olympic Handover Flags will be raised at landmark areas such as the Unst in the Shetland Isles, the most northerly point in the UK and Land’s End in Cornwall, the most southerly point. Flags will also be raised at Lowestoft, the most easterly town in England and the Isles of Scilly, the most westerly point.
Chairman of the London 2012 Organising Committee, Sebastian Coe said: ‘When the Mayor of London accepts the Olympic Flag on 24th August, the eyes of the world will turn to London and the UK as the next Summer Host City. It is a very important and exciting moment for us, and we want as many people as possible to join in the Handover celebrations. We are delighted that so many local authorities share our excitement and are proudly displaying the Olympic Handover Flag to mark this very special moment on our journey to 2012.”
Councillor Chris White, Chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport board, said: “While the Olympic Games in 2012 are happening in London, it’s clear there’s strong support for them throughout the length and breadth of the country. More than 400 councils have arranged parties and flag-raising events for August 24th to mark the start of an exciting four years. Authorities are already investing in sports facilities and promoting healthier living to ensure the legacy of the Olympic Games will be long-lasting. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for every part of the country to enjoy a boom in business, tourism and sporting excellence, and councils are ready to seize the opportunity.”
To learn more about the Much Wenlock Olympic Connection visit www.wenlock-olympian-society.org.uk
