The University of West London

The Olympic flame lights up Ealing

Wednesday 25 July 2012

The University's location in the heart of west London, specifically in leafy Ealing, was the place to be on 24 July 2012 when scores of excited residents and spectators eagerly lined the streets to welcome the iconic Olympic Torch to the borough.

The Olympic Torch Relay was part of a wider number of celebrations to mark the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games on 27 July 2012.

Former Wimbledon tennis star Boris Becker was one of the selected torchbearers greeted enthusiastically by crowds in Ealing, and prominent figures from the community also proudly carried the Torch past the University's site in St Mary's Road.

The celebrations continued in Walpole Park, where the University's staff and students performed in a community choir to a packed crowd.

A student at the University also had the opportunity to be part of this momentous occasion after being selected to be one of the torchbearers.

Reena Silva, who recently completed a BA Digital Media Production course at the University's Ealing School of Art, Design and Media, carried the Olympic Torch on 23 July 2012 in Bromley, South London.

Reena was nominated for this role because of her motivational outlook and for her passion and dedication in working with young people to help them reach their full potential.  Youth work has always been important to Reena having worked in Cedars Youth Club in Chiswick and trained as a youth worker.

During her time at the University, Reena served as a student ambassador and worked on the Government's Aim Higher scheme as a mentor for young people.

Commenting on her experience of carrying the Olympic Torch, Reena Silva said:
'I couldn't stop looking at the flame; it was so beautiful against the bright blue sky.  It was amazing!  The memory of the flame will be with me forever.  I was so nervous but I did it.  It has given me confidence in running and I'm going to keep up the training, I am going to try to complete the London triathlon this year for someone close to me.'