London has hosted the Olympics on two different occasions, the first time was in 1908 and the second time in 1948. This summer in 2012 London will again host the Olympic and Paralympic Games but despite most events taking place in London we cannot forget the other areas in the UK playing their part. The sailing is this year being held in Weymouth but this could quite easily have also been held in Torquay and Torbay where it was held the last time London had the Olympic Games. Despite Torquay missing out on the sailing there is still mass excitement around Torquay as the UK looks to welcome some of the worlds finest athletes to London.
Although areas like Torquay as mentioned missed out on hosting any events it has not stopped these so called runner up areas from benefitting from the Olympics. This is because areas like Torquay have great facilities which have drawn the competing athletes to have their training camps in Torbay. In the past Torquay played a much bigger part and in the 1948 summer Olympics it hosted the majority of the water based sports. Back in 1948 there were a total of five sailing classes and for each class there were seven races, these were held between the 3rd August - 12th August 1948. The local economy as a result thrived as spectators flocked to the area staying in the famous Torquay Hotels. Torre Abbey Gardens was the scene of the closing ceromony which was observed by over 10000 enthusiastic spectators. That year the Olympic Torch was brought from London to Torre Abbey Gardens and for 2012 the Olympic Torch will once again at least past through Torbay and Torquay.
The Olympic Flame route has been devised to make it as easy as possible for anyone who wants to catch a glimpse of this famous torch. The route has been planned so that it travels within 10 miles of 95% of people in the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey. This will allow the local communities included on the route to really celebrate the Olympic torch being carried through and also highlight the best their area has to offer. Celebrations are planned for many areas with street parties being organised up and down the country and special evening events are being created for when the torch makes an overnight stop.
The South West will see the torch arrive on Saturday 19th May 2012 as Plymouth will stage the first evening celebration in the country after the torch has been carried from Land's End. On Sunday 20th May 2012 there are carnival-style festivities when the flame reaches Exeter. The Olympic flame will then be carried through Paignton and Torquay on Sunday 20th May 2012 and there is a special welcome being prepared on behalf of the surrounding communities and residents. As a result of these extra celebrations the hotels in Torquay and neighbouring towns are preparing themselves for a busy weekend.
A little information about the The Olympic Torch
The Olympic Torch has been designed by internationally acclaimed designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby. The torch stands at 800mm high and weighs 800g. It is therefore one of the most lightweight torches in the history of the Olympics. It is a three sided golden cone design that has the flame burning through its shell. It is made out of aluminium alloy and a reason for the use of this material is so that the torch could be carried by young people who are expected to make up quite a large percentage of the torchbearers.
When booking a Torquay hotel a stay at The Meadfoot Bay Hotel is definately worth considering.
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