PRESS RELEASE

Mayor to receive Special Olympic Torch at Christmas Switch On

Tuesday 18th November ‘03

Mayor Cllr Shaun Gallagher accompanied by representatives from the Special Olympics Host Town Committee, will receive a special commemorative Olympic Torch for the city especially created by Newbridge Silverware, at the Big Christmas Lights Switch On ceremony tomorrow evening, Wednesday 19th November, in Guildhall Square.

In June of this year over a thousand people thronged Shipquay Street and Guildhall Square to welcome the International Torch Run team to the city on its final journey from Athens to Dublin with the Flame of Hope. The image of the city’s own special Olympian David McCauley lighting the Olympic cauldron at the 2003 Special Olympics opening ceremony in Dublin, which was watched by an audience of millions worldwide, is one that will live in the city’s hearts for many years to come.

Mayor Councillor Shaun Gallagher expressed his delight in receiving the Olympic Torch on behalf of the city commenting,

“The Olympic Flame of Hope symbolises the achievements of all Special Olympians. I would like to take this opportunity to urge everyone to come out for the Christmas lights switch on to be a part of this historic and proud occasion in welcoming the Olympic Torch to the city.”

Newbridge Silverware are the only company outside of the USA who have made a trophy for any Olympics. Commenting on the decision to have an Olympic Torch specially commissioned for the city William Doyle, Chief Executive of Newbridge Silverware said,

“Following the appeal to find a home for one of the twelve Olympic torches earlier this Summer, the demand was so great that a decision was made by Newbridge Silverware to make a special commemorative torch for the city of Derry as it had been the first Host Town to offer a home to one of the Olympic torches.

Additionally as the home to the only Irish athlete who had the honour of lighting the Olympic Flame at the 2003 Special Olympics World Games opening ceremony we consider it to be only fitting that the Olympic Torch finds a place of honour in the city’s history records.”

Sinéad Quinn

The festivities will kick off in Guildhall Square tomorrow evening, Wednesday 19th November, at 6:30pm. The grand Switch On ceremony will take place at 7:30pm with entertainment continuing throughout the evening with music and fun for all the family until 9:00pm.

The Olympic Torch will be on display at the Crafts in the City Exhibition, which is taking place this weekend (Fri 21st to Sun 23rd November) in St Columbs Hall. The Torch will then reside as part of the Sons and Daughter’s exhibition until the end of the year.

Photo Opportunities

Photo Opportunity 1 @ 7:15pm

Photo Opportunity 2 @ 7:30pm

Ends

For additional information contact:

Press Office

return to previous page