By KATH GANNAWAY
IF YOU were in Healesville on 10 and 11 August 2000, you were very likely among the thousands who cheered on the locals who had the honour of running with the Olympic Torch.
Healesville was the ‘keeper of the flame’ overnight on 10 August and the town put on a spectacular welcome in Queen’s Park to mark the occasion.
Yarra Junction 1998 Winter Olympian, Jonathon Sweet, carried the torch up to the cauldron, starting an exciting program of entertainment and speeches.
Day 64 (10 August) saw the torch go through Montrose, Lilydale, Coldstream and on to Healesville.
On Day 65 the torch left from Badger Creek and continued on through Healesville and up to Narbethong Buxton and Taggerty.
The main street of Healesville was decorated with balloons and for weeks leading up to the big day, community groups, schools and businesses got involved in projects to make Healesville’s welcome to the torch something special.
To mark the 15th anniversary, Healesville Historical Society and Healesville Library have put together a display including the cauldron and replica torch along with reports of the event and other memorabilia.
It’s a walk down memory lane that will spark memories for all ages, but perhaps most of all for the many school children who were involved.
Librarian Kate Kruize is encouraging people to come in, bring along any photos and other memorabilia to add to the display, and to share their stories of Healesville’s special role in the 2000 Olympics.
The display will be on show until the end of August.
The Mail would also like to hear what made the Olympic experience in Healesville special for you. Let us know the Mail Facebook page, or email to editor@mailnewsgroup.com.au.
