West Dunbartonshire sports stars celebrate London Olympics

Aug 29 2008 by Laura McLachlan, Lennox Herald (main ed)

A GROUP of West Dunbartonshire’s rising sports stars celebrated London becoming the official Olympic Games host city with a handover ceremony of their own last week.

Runner Jade Barclay, badminton star Steven Stewart and Judo champion Leanne Black were just some of the youngsters who celebrated the iconic London Olympic handover flag being raised in regions around the UK in preparation for the 2012 Games.

The local sports stars, many of whom are potential medal hopes for Team GB, raised the flag, one of 500 in the UK, at West Dunbartonshire Council Offices, Garshake Road, on Sunday.

Chairman of the London 2012 Organising Committee, Sebastian Coe said: “When the Mayor of London accepted the Olympic Flag on August 24, the eyes of the world turned to London and the UK as the next summer host city.

“We are delighted so many local authorities share our excitement and are proudly displaying the Olympic Handover Flag to mark this very special moment on our journey to 2012.”