The three day ‘Keep The Spirit Alive’ Olympic Torch Festival, aimed to provide students from across Central Australia with a once in a lifetime opportunity to share the spirit of the Olympics first hand.
Timed to coincide with the Olympic Torch Relay’s journey through Central Australia, on Wednesday 7 June and Thursday 8 June, over 60 activities for students aimed to capture part of the Olympic excitement and its ideals.
The Festival culminated at Traeger Park on 9 June with a celebration concert featuring student performances, and athletic finals before a crowd of 5,000 spectators.
The highlight for students and adults alike was the arrival of the Olympic Torch Relay procession at 11 am on the Friday, which completed a circuit of Traeger Park Oval.
Twelve months in the planning, this event was coordinated by SHAPES (Sport Health and Physical Education School), the Northern Territory Department of Education and the Department of Sport and Recreation.
Alice Springs Town Council and many local businesses gave ongoing support in the lead up and staging of this event.
This enabled Alice Springs schools and 25 remote area schools to give their students this once in a life time opportunity.
Visitors from remote area schools numbered over 800 students and adults.
A range of Come’n’Try activities, as well as a careers and health expo, were staged through the assistance of community groups, sporting clubs, coaches, local businesses and teachers who all volunteered their services, time and effort.
Activities varied from lacrosse to football to computers to fabric printing.
