University celebrates the Olympic torch relay
Friday 27 July 2012
Tens of thousands of cheering University staff, students and local residents lined the Torch Relay Route on Friday 20 July as the famous torch set off in Guildford, as part of its 7,000 mile journey around the UK to London's Olympic Games 2012.
Professor Lisa Roberts, the Dean of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences of the University, ran with the flame from the entrance to the roundabout near Guildford Cathedral. She then passed it on to the next torchbearer who carried it on towards the city centre, en route to Stoke Park where over 25,000 people attended the celebration event. Highlights included a main stage performance from Guildford School of Acting (GSA), Rizzle Kicks, and the FA Cup display.
The University was one of 31 university partners across the UK to create a unique Torchbearer nomination programme. Selecting from staff, students and the community around the university, the programme aimed to find individuals who go the extra mile and was designed to reflect the core value of the Olympic movement and the rich heritage of each institution.
Two further University students - Becky Robinson and Sophia Neofytous - each carried the Olympic through Surrey – Godalming and Dorking respectively.
The Surrey Sports Park at the University is an official camp training venue for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, hosting a number of teams and athletes from nations across the world for the Games.
L-R: Allan Wells, gold medal-winning Olympian who works at the University of Surrey and Professor Lisa Roberts, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Medical Services, preparing for the Olympic Torch Relay. Lisa was the first torchbearer to carry the flame on the Guildford section of the Torch Relay route. Allan, who is a Surrey Sports Park Ambassador and was a torchbearer in Selkirk, Scotland took part in the celebrations on the main stage at Stoke Park in Guildford later that evening.