Torch Relay Fires Celebration in Parkes

One of the biggest torch relay celebrations outside Sydney occurred in the New South Wales country town of Parkes in August. The population of 10,000 doubled as visitors came from far and wide to join in the excitement and fun.

The arrival of the torch was preceded by a parade that included several bands, a magnificent gilded chariot drawn by four white horses and carrying our own Olympian, Stephen Davies, and more than 40 floats, each representing a different Olympic sport or aspect of the game.

When it fell to Quota's lot to portray the synchronized swimming event, our club somehow turned it into unsynchronized swimming. We had had a ball practicing our routines—complete with pegs on noses, of course.

Then, for our float, we mounted a large swimming pool on the back of a truck, dressed in wetsuits with added frills and spangles (as August in Australia is WINTER), and joined in the evening parade. The float was so good, and the "athletes" were having so much fun, that a newcomer to the town said, "That's the organization I want to join!" And, she was inducted into the Club in November.

After the parade had passed, the Torch Relay Runners came into view. There were extra loud cheers when our own Quotarian, Bev Laing, took off with her torch.

Bev certainly deserved the honor of being an Olympic Torch Bearer. A past president of our club, she also served on the National Council of the V.I.E.W. Clubs, which helps people in need in Australia. Currently, she serves as a very efficient and capable member of the Parkes Shire Council, participates in many organizations to help disadvantage people in our community, and, indeed, leaves most of us totally bemused and wondering if she ever goes to bed.

The torch was taken up to the celebration site where our own cauldron was lit. A great concert followed with excellent entertainment from our schoolchildren and several talented ex-Parkes people who came home to Parkes for the occasion.

Parkes Quota was even more involved. Our past and present presidents played very active roles on the organizing committee. Our Vice President, Margaret Klein, designed and organized a float for the just formed Evening View Club that portrayed a group of tourists in their national dress on a plane coming over to the Games. Our Social Director, Anne Steel, single-handedly prepared the Sailing float. And, we offered candles in holders to the crowd as well as a stall selling hot dogs.

Although it didn't quite have the finesse of Ric Burch's opening ceremony at the Games themselves, the Parkes torch celebration was a marvelous night that shows what a lot can be achieved by a small group of enthusiastic and co-operative people.

—Pam Nankivell, President, Quota International of Parkes
© 2000