Concern at sponsors’ role in the torch relay

As part of the Olympic fervour being stirred up, my family and I went to Keighley on Sunday afternoon to see the Olympic Torch Relay pass through on its way to Skipton and to eventually finish for the day at Leeds.

We were standing on Skipton Road close to the Earl Street junction with hundreds of others to cheer on the torch but when the runner eventually came past it was a middle-aged gentlemen lapping up the applause. I have spent quite a bit of time searching for the information online on the lists of the nominated runners and yet only three are listed for Keighley. None of them match the image or description of the person I, and hundreds of others, saw on Sunday.

We were stood on part of the official course as set out for the Keighley leg of the relay, well before the end of the route, but why did we not see a local person who had been nominated for the task to carry the flame?

There were a huge number of people on the Hardings Road roundabout and I am sure they must have been as mystified as we were as to who was carrying the torch.

Having looked at the recent coverage on the TV, I notice no one else seems to have had the free Samsung inflatable “bangers” and flags we were given on Sunday. I can only assume the torch bearer we saw was related to one of the sponsors (probably Samsung given his apparent ethnic origin and the presence of oriental reporters and camera crews on the Skipton Road section of the course) and that this part of the main event had been taken over by them.

It seems we were set up as extras for Samsung advertising, which is disgraceful as we were not advised or given the option to see the “proper” torch parade a few metres up the road towards town.

This must happen also each day as the Samsung people handing out the freebies in Keighley said they had been with the relay since Land’s End. There seems to be a suspicious lack of information as to who these people are and what control the sponsors have over the process. I for one, feel duped – it should have been made clear beforehand what the format was going to be. It seems as if those in control think the public are too stupid or disinterested to question what’s going on.

Does anyone at the Keighley News know who the mystery fourth runner was? A senior executive at Samsung getting some glory time at our expense for the huge sponsorship money paid or was it a genuine good Samaritan who has been overlooked by the media? I would be really grateful if someone could shed some light on this.

TONY STARLING

Keighley

A Samsung spokesman said: “The Olympic Games is a symbol of unity and global friendship as it brings people from around the world together. To make London 2012 everyone’s Olympic Games, Samsung has offered opportunities for people from around the world to carry the Olympic Flame. Samsung contributes to London’s successful hosting of the Olympic Games and helps enhance the UK’s reputation and prestige abroad through its global torchbearers. Samsung has recruited torchbearers who have ‘gone the extra mile’. The majority of Samsung’s torchbearers were carefully selected through our Global Torchbearer recruitment campaign, which searched for people who have contributed to their local communities and have inspired others.”

Inspired to bring back town’s gala parade

I have just watched the Olympic Torch go through the streets of Keighley and was absolutely amazed at the turnout of so many happy smiling people.

It reminded me of more than 50 years ago, of our gala day, when people lined the streets as the procession passed through the streets of Keighley before making its way in to the gala field.

The gala parade should be re-introduced to capture the atmosphere for children to remember as it did for me and many other Keighley people all those years ago.

JACKIE BUTTERFIELD

Haworth

Disgusted by lack of local torchbearers

I am totally disgusted that you are making the day of the torch relay into such a fantastic event.

Where were the Keighley torch carriers? Not one. They came from the Red Rose county. Hasn’t Keighley got anyone fitting to carry the torch? I could name many.

The torch could have been carried by a representative of Keighley, then handed to the town and put in the civic centre on display for all to see.

The Olympic organisers have insulted the town and in doing so have made me lose my enthusiasm to support their ideals.

Peter Hainsworth

Westburn Crescent Keighley

Not a safe situation

I suspect like most people in Keighley and district I delighted when I heard the the Olympic relay was coming to town, then a little disappointed when I found the runners selected were from other towns.

I would have thought we have people in Keighley suited to what ever criteria used for selection. And like a lot of people thought a once in a life time experience not to be missed, and judging by the crowds I was not alone.

We turned up early to soak up some of the atmosphere in the town, well done every one who turned out to entertain us.

I would like to ask who was supposed to be in control of the crowds the police or the marshals. We stood by the railings at the top of Cavendish Street on the town hall square side of the road opposite the liabry. When we arrived there were lots of children with their parents able to see the road in total safety behind the barriers, when the police or marshals closed Cavendish Street hundreds of people move in front of these barriers and children completely blocking their view. Despite protests by some of the parents this crowd would not move, therefore the parents lifted the children up to stand on the barriers not a safe situation.

This unsatisfactory situation was compounded by either the police or marshals as when the relay got close the crowd was allowed / invited to stand in the middle of the road thus completely blocking the view for the children and many others therefore ruining the chance to see a once in a life time event for many people mainly children.

As the relay approached police motor cyclist came down the side of the road doing ( I think it is called five highs) with the children who had managed to get to the front, health and safety?

As I say I am not sure who was supposed to be in charge of crowd control who ever it was don't let them be on duty at a football match.

As far as the relay itself I found that very disappointing I hope it does not reflect upon what we hope to see at the Olympics.

DICK TAYLOR

Calton Road Long Lee