Olympic Torch Relay Lights Up Campus
The flame of the games passes through Hatfield, making a pit stop at the University
Blazing a trail
The University of Hertfordshire welcomed the Olympic Torch Relay through its De Havilland Campus on Sunday 8 July 2012, on its way to the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The Torch blazed through Hatfield from 2.23pm via the historic Hatfield House and home of Lord Salisbury - the University’s Chancellor - the town centre and then arrived on University grounds at 3.24pm.
The Olympic Torch, carried by 17 year old Talya Jacobson, a tireless fundraiser who has raised over £60,000 for various charities, entered the University next to the new Law Court Building and continued towards the Hertfordshire Sports Village for the customary ‘kissing of the flames’.
Also on campus, Hertfordshire Sports Village hosted the eighth annual Herts Youth Games and the University Community Partnership Office hosted a local community fair.
Professor Quintin McKellar, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire said: “We are delighted that the University of Hertfordshire featured on the Olympic Torch Relay route. We are active supporters of the Olympics and are working with a number of potential Olympians at our Sports Village. We also encourage sport participation locally so are thrilled that it coincided with our hosting of the Herts Youth Games.”
One of the University’s own mechanical engineering graduates, Stuart Hawker, managing director for Tecosims has the critical role in ensuring that the flame remains alight throughout its travels until it reaches its final destination on 27 July for the London 2012 opening ceremony.
In addition, alumni Gobi Ranganathan and Matthew King OBE were also selected as Olympic torchbearers; Gobi was a torchbearer in Stevenage and Matt was cheered on by the crowds of Dunstable.