MUCH Wenlock’s contribution to the Olympics was recognised this week after an event mascot for the 2012 London Games was named after the town.
At a large gathering in front of the national media at the Priory Hall on Wednesday evening, former Olympic gold medallist Jonathan Edwards revealed mascots Wenlock and Mandeville, whose names are attributed to places where the modern Olympics and Paralympics were founded.
Addressing Wenlock athletes, school children, councillors and residents, Mr Edwards said it was a privilege to announce the prominent role the small town would play in the forthcoming global event.
“The first time I came to Much Wenlock I had no idea of the role this village played, but after speaking to locals and the Wenlock Olympian Society the remarkable work of Dr William Penny Brookes soon became clear,” he said.
“It made me think that without his input I might not be standing here today. The two figures will travel the length and breadth of the country over the next two years showing what a prominent role this country has had on the development of sport.
“It just shows no matter where a movement starts, no matter how small it is, you never know where it might end up.”
A short film about the mascots’ story was premiered in the Priory Hall and on BBC One’s The One Show. Wenlock and Mandeville were created from the last drops of steel left over from the construction of the final support girder for the Olympic Stadium.
The mascots have been designed with children in mind and have a number of unique design features. These include yellow lights on their heads, inspired by London’s iconic black taxis, while Wenlock wears friendship bands in the colours of the Olympic rings.
The mascots’ single eye is a camera, which will capture the people they meet, the places they go and the sports they try on their journey to 2012.