Sudbury councillor cheers on Canada in London

City of Greater Sudbury Ward 11 Terry Kett is in London, England, enjoying the 2012 Olympic Games, where 118 Ontario athletes — and 29 Ontario coaches — will represent Canada and inspire the nation as they compete for a spot on the podium.

During one of his first days in London, he ventured out to see the passage of the Olympic torch on the River Thames.

In an email to Northern Life, he writes: Amid the constant ringing of church bells, huge media coverage and millions of spectators lining the banks of the River Thames, the Olympic flame lit in Greece on May 10 made its stately way on board the royal tow barge Gloriana, en route to the London Olympic stadium.

The picturesque Thames route was chosen because it showcases many of the capital’s most famous landmarks and would limit traffic congestion.

Our setting, near Richmond, was idealic, with thousands of people lining the grassy cart path on a slightly overcast day with a balmy temperature of 23 degrees. Accompanying the Gloriana was a motley flotilla of more than 100 boats from kayaks to paddle wheelers, all adorned with Union Jacks.

More than 8,000 people were expected to carry the Olympic torch around the UK after it started its journey at Land's End in Cornwall. By the end of its travels, the torch will have visited 1,000 towns and travelled more than 8,000 miles.

Posted by Arron Pickard