Published: 10 August, 2012

• THE Olympics have been an incredible experience for us all, and I’d like to thank the huge number of people in our community who have helped to put Islington at the heart of the action.

More than 100,000 people came out onto our streets to watch the Olympic torch come through Islington, and hundreds of volunteer stewards helped to keep the day safe.

The same day huge crowds came to Highbury Fields to try out more than 19 Olympic sports at our fun day for residents.

It was great to see so many people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to welcome the torch and cheer on our inspirational torch bearers.

A week earlier, more than 30 schools joined our very own 17-mile torch relay, with pupils carrying torches they had made themselves through the borough.

To help celebrate the Olympics, we are offering free swimming to under-16s, which is proving a big hit in our pools.

Young people in Islington have been taking part in athletics, basketball, football and much more as part of the council-backed programme from Access to Sports.

We’ve welcomed the hugely popular Czech House to the Business Design Centre, and thousands have come to see its “push-up bus” sculpture outside.

There has been much more besides – and much more still to come. I’d like to say thanks to all those who have made this all possible.

CLLR CATHERINE WEST
Labour leader,
Islington Council