Under 100 days until Olympic Torch comes to Taunton (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Under 100 days until Olympic Torch comes to Taunton

5:00pm Monday 13th February 2012 in News By Daniel Milligan

ORGANISERS, councillors and athletes have said the excitement is building before the London Olympic 2012 Torch Relay hits Taunton's streets in less than 100 days.

The torch will travel through Taunton on Monday, May 21 and event manager David Evans and Cllr Mark Edwards said there will be celebrations across the town for the whole weekend.

Mr Edwards said: “We are very excited for the torch arriving and Taunton is getting the chance to see it only two days after it begins its relay.

“We hope people can enjoy the celebrations in the town centre because there will be a chance for people try out new sports and maybe find the some future Olympic champions.”

Mr Evans added: “We are trying to be creative with lots of sport-related ideas and we have also invited around 900 school children to join in with the celebrations in the town.

“We are the only town in Somerset holding an evening celebration so people all over the county can get involved in this international stage.”

Olympic hopeful Laura Gallagher, who picked up silver as part of the Great Britain trampolining quartet in the World Championships last year, joined the 100-day countdown launch and said it is going to be a great experience for athletes and spectators alike.

She added: “It is very exciting and the atmosphere is starting to build up already.

“It is going to be a huge event and brings the community together so it is hard not to get swept away with it all.

“It is something that may not happen ago for a long time so don't miss it.”

Somerset County Cricket Club first team skipper Marcus Trescothick said that the event will mark a special occasion for the town.

He said: “All the boys will be keeping a check on the Olympics when it comes around and it is good to have this coming through here.

Marketing manager at the club, Guy Wolfenden, added: “Although it is in the middle of the cricket season we are all very excited and look forward to the whole event in May.”