Post by Deleted on Oct 30, 2010 21:00:09 GMT
After several weeks of intense speculation it has been confirmed that the community of Barton, Torquay is all set to step in at the eleventh hour should London’s 2012 Olympics project hit the buffers. At a press conference today, held at the Acorn Centre, the Herald Express learned that the centrepiece of the emergency Olympic bid will be a sensational grass-track at the Barton Downs arena, a few hundred yards from the proposed Olympic Village at Barton Hall. And, in an exciting development, it looks like Gillingham Football Club will be lending its’ Brian Moore Stand to enhance spectator enjoyment.
The Herald Express understands Barton is well-placed to secure the Emergency Olympics on the basis of a robust competitive tendering process which will make the games the most cost-effective since the Much Wenlock Olympian Games of the nineteenth century. This will be achieved by making use of existing facilities in Torbay, Teignbridge and the South Hams. To date the following Devon-class venues have been identified as possible hosts to some of the Games' major sports:
Athletics – the Barton Downs Arena which will feature a classic-style grass-track currently under development at Torbay Council parks department.
Badminton, basketball and handball – an indoor venue, claimed to be unique in Olympic history, is to be established at Kent’s Cavern in Torquay.
Beach Volleyball – Petitor Beach has been identified as the stand-out facility after a number of rival bids were received. A regulation change regarding competitor apparel is under consideration.
Boxing, fencing, judo, taekwondo and wrestling – a state-of-art Olympic Combat Zone is proposed at the Clocktower in Newton Abbot to reflect the vicinity’s long-standing tradition for street combat arts. Local pubs and restaurants will supply tables and chairs to aid spectator comfort.
Canoeing – Dawlish Water in the centre of the South Devon resort appears to be in the frame to host the canoe slalom and sprint events. The black swans are likely to be removed for the duration in the interest of health and safety.
Cycling – mountain bike races will be run over the coastal path between Maidencombe and Shaldon whilst the old home of the Watcombe Gulls cycle speedway team will be renovated for track events. An announcement regarding track racing is expected shortly.
Diving – a series of coastal locations are to be used as this popular Olympic event goes outdoors tombstoning-style. Plymouth’s Tom Daley – the world-famous “Diving Janner” - is expected to be a hot favourite.
Football – Torquay United’s Plainmoor has been sensationally overlooked on grounds of rental cost. Negotiations are in hand to use facilities at Cricketfield Road, King George V, Easterfield Lane and Stoodley Knowle.
Hockey – Torquay’s existing world-class hockey centre at Torre Valley North will provide the perfect setting for this keenly-contested sport.
Rowing – the River Teign is expected to see a glut of British medal success as the Shaldon Regatta is transformed to become the world’s premier rowing event. Home town glory is eagerly anticipated in the Seine categories.
Shooting – Trago Mills is on standby to host shooting with a first-time Olympic emphasis on utilising shoplifters as moving targets.
Synchronised swimming and water polo – Newton Abbot’s fabulous water-based environment will play host to the synchronised swimming at Decoy and water polo at Town Quay.
Tennis – the hard courts at Oldway, South Devon’s Wimbledon, will see the world’s superstars to pit their wits in the shadow of the magnificent Oldway Mansion. Nick Bye, Torbay’s mayor, is sure to be in the frame to umpire the final.
Announcements regarding archery, equestrian (dressage, eventing and jumping), gymnastics (artistic, rhythmic and trampoline), Modern Pentathlon, sailing, swimming, table tennis, triathlon, volleyball and weightlifting are expected soon.
And, in a plea to the South Devon public – and readers of this forum - the bid’s organising committee has asked for feedback about the above proposals and for suggestions about venues for those sports seeking a home. Designs for venues would also be welcomed as part of the public consultation process together with suggestions for the three extra sports which can be introduced on a one-off basis at the behest of the host city. Current suggestions are lawn bowls (in which the People’s Republic of South Devon would be sure to excel), Euchre and Freestyle Stag and Hen Debauchery (subject to the approval of the IOC’s Morality and Ethics committee).
Meanwhile a nostalgic reminder of when the Olympics last came to Torbay:
