Author Archives: Emily Ch'ng

The Torch Illuminates Loughborough

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The Torch coming to Loughborough will go down in the university’s history books. The campus was filled with members of staff, locals, school children and volunteers, as well as prominent guests such as David Hemery, awaiting the torch bearers’ arrival, and came through the campus to view the ‘Torch Kiss’.

David Wheeler’s Torch Day Experience:
Volunteers were adorned with bright pink t-shirts and the campus felt like a festival, with a celebratory buzz reverberating around the University Stadium. To complement this excitement, the stadium burst into colour with the carnival featuring larger than life costumes and parades. David Wheeler states how ‘spirits were raised further by the spectacularly colourful carnival procession ahead of the torch bearers. I was pleased to be able to guide others to the best viewing positions’.

Members of the development and alumni services staff, Richard and Alan, were also extremely impressed with the carnival, as it brought all members of the university together as a community. It symbolised the excitement and celebratory atmosphere brought by the Olympics.

Prominent guests included David Hemery, and David Wheeler enthuses how great it was ‘to hear Hemery’s Olympic experiences in conversation with Jonathan Agnew. Was success due to teamwork or individual excellence? Probably both!’

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Helping Hands:
This level of camaraderie between volunteers is inspirational. Even the security sniffer dogs were getting involved in the action, raising morale. Pictured is one of the dogs proudly donning an “I was there!” T-shirt, adding extra cuteness to the sea of pink.

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The Torch Relay was a magnificent event that will go down in history and remain in people’s memories. As one volunteer, Emily Rabone aptly said, “I think it gave people the opportunity to feel they had some connection with the Olympics, especially for those who couldn’t get involved elsewhere in either volunteering or getting tickets to the events.”

Having something to celebrate with such vigour where an entire community can get involved is an illuminating experience.  “It was great to see so many happy faces”, said Emily, doing their bit and getting involved with British Olympic history.

Voices of the University

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The Medal Makers interviewed seven volunteers who are also permanent university staff and students.  Their close and professional relationship with the university has shed some interesting light on how Preparation Camp is viewed by those who will remain at Loughborough after the Olympics has finished.

We found they actually shared many similar opinions and thoughts. For example:

    • They found the Medal Makers were helpful, especially when the Torch was here.
    • Preparation Camp is a positive experience for the university thanks to having so much media exposure.
    • Loughborough has been put on the map nationally and internationally.
    • They felt safer after the enhanced security.
    • Many are looking forward to seeing how the work that’s been done here on campus will contribute to Loughborough’s Olympic legacy.

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Extra security arriving in Loughborough for the Torch Relay (but there’s always time for a photo with the local school children!)

 

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The torch getting Paparazzi-style media attention on campus!

Our interviewees ranged from students, to administrative staff, to security, and each had their share of diverse opinions:

  • Those who worked in the Developmental and Alumni Gift Processing felt Preparation Camp is beneficial for the university’s local, national and international reputation.
  • Admin staff thought Preparation Camp would be a fascinating talking point with the locals, who were coming to appreciate the university more by understanding what went on in campus.
  • They felt a definite buzz on campus.
  • The students also noticed that a lot of the facilities on campus have been upgraded in the last few years in preparation for the athletes, and this will be a great legacy for the University’.
  • The students were able to take their Security certificates to the Union and apply for paid work, which was a big bonus for them. 
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Victoria and Ben, student volunteers, at the Security Scanner

The Medal Makers are happy to hear how Preparation Camp has become a pivotal milestone in the university’s history. It is also really encouraging to hear how the Loughborough Legacy will continue on at a national level, but has also already benefitted the people directly affected by what the university has to offer, and will continue to do so for those to come!