10/04/2008: Wembley shows off Olympic flame

Despite the freezing weather conditions on Sunday, 6 April, Brent provided a warm and truly international welcome to the Olympic torch on its global relay around the world.

The borough also made Olympic history by welcoming the Olympic flame back to Wembley after almost 60 years absence.

The official opening ceremony of the London leg of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay started at 9.30am from Wembley Arena Square, outside Wembley Arena and in the shadow of Wembley Stadium, with cultural performances from Brent's diverse communities and the official welcome of the Olympic flame by Brent's mayor, Councillor Harshadbhai Patel.

Sixteen year old Brent student Cheyenne Green made her own history at Wembley as the Beijing Olympic torch got its first public showing in the UK.

Cheyenne received the torch from Olympic gold medalist, Sir Steve Redgrave and carried the torch from Wembley, through Harlesden, where Cheyenne grew up, to its next leg. Cheyenne was chosen for the honour by the Greater London Authority from thousands of young hopefuls nominated by their schools.

Welcoming the Olympic flame back to Brent, Mayor of Brent, Councillor Harshadbhai Patel, said: "Brent already has a rich and outstanding Olympic heritage - the borough hosted the 1948 Games with the opening ceremony taking place right here at Wembley. With Wembley Stadium scheduled to be an Olympic venue in 2012, this event has special significance for us and it is symbolic that the London leg of the relay starts at Wembley".

Local residents and young people from Brent schools made the day memorable by lining the route with colourful flags which they made and cheering the torch bearers and the convoy along as they passed.