As part of their preparations to host the Tokyo Games, members of the Japanese organising committee visited Much Wenlock in to watch the Olympian Games.
After the visit Professor Sanada said:. The vision of Tokyo involves sport, education and culture, and we in Japan recognise the importance of the legacy of Dr Brookes and the Wenlock Olympian Society. In addition to this he made efforts to revive the Olympic Games by creating first the Shropshire Olympian Games, followed by the National Olympian Games and the National Olympian Association despite facing various opposition along the way.
Overall, the story of Dr William Penny Brookes and his creation of the Wenlock Olympian Games is one that does not receive enough credit or exposure, which may be due to the death of Brookes being the year before the first modern Olympic Games in In all the work of Brookes and the Wenlock Olympian Games has not only shown to be a contributing factor to the Olympic Movement and modern Olympic revival but also shown that the power of sport can have on the community in the town of Much Wenlock.
But what led from this exuberant regional affair to the international Olympics? Much Wenlock's 1. Markets still take place in Much Wenlock, including at the Corn Exchange now home to the public library and named for the corn markets once held amongst its arches where the second bronze Olympian Trail marker can be found.
It was here that Brookes established the Wenlock Olympian Society — one of his many endeavours to promote physical wellbeing, including successfully petitioning to make physical education compulsory in schools nationwide. A wall plaque also highlights a selection of town improvements the industrious philanthropist helped facilitate, from the construction of the railways and this very building to the renovation of the Guildhall.
Perhaps the next most telling trail stop is the Raven Hotel , which now sports a 2 AA Rosette restaurant. In , after visiting the Wenlock Olympian Games and hearing of Brookes' dream to stage an international Olympics revival in Greece — despite failed efforts to persuade the government in Athens — it was here that educator and historian Baron Pierre de Coubertin gave a speech that expressed his affinity with the doctor's ideals.
The young Frenchman went on to cofound the International Olympic Committee in and its first Summer Olympics event was held in the Greek capital in April , sadly four months after Brookes died at Brookes' grave in the grounds of Much Wenlock Parish Church, movingly just opposite his birthplace, is a tragic reminder that he outlived four of his five children.
It's a poignant spot on an otherwise uplifting trail adorned with themed plaques and sculpture that paints a vivid picture of Wenlock Olympian Games history, from the pageantry that once saw band-led marches parade through decorated streets to the Society's first honorary member, Petros Velessarios, winner of a 1,yard race staged in Athens for which he received drachmas and an olive crown.
True to Olympic tradition, the characters have characteristics that pay homage their native country: The mascots are made of steel "representing the steel and mining industries in the U. The characters also come complete with a fully-realized origin story -- which "War Horse" author Michael Morpugo formally fleshed out -- in which Wenlock and Mandeville, who are forged from the steel from the last girder to go up in London's Olympic stadium by a soon-to-retire steel worker, and then brought to life by a rainbow.
The legacy of the Olympic venues is also a big theme this year, with plans for many of them to be disassmbled and taken to locales around the world after the Games.
The most note-worthy element of the mascots' visual look, the camera eye, is meant to represent the idea of the world watching the games, and, of course, taps into the potentials of viral platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, encouraging young folks to capture their own moments. The real appeal of Wenlock and Mandeville, as it turns out, isn't necessarily their look, it's their ability to be customized online on a digital platform that Iris also helped create.
In during building work at Wenlock Priory, an old box was found which contained information suggesting that St Milburge had been buried by the altar. Some time later however, two boys were playing in the church when they came across a pit that contained bones. These bones were thought to be those of St Milburge and placed in a shrine. Rumours of miraculous cures at the site became well known and the site became a place of pilgrimage.
This is when the town began to grow. Wenlock Priory has a colourful history. In the 12th Century this was replaced with a Cluniac Priory, the ruins of which can still be seen today a stunning setting for a picnic. Much Wenlock is well worth a visit. Its long and colourful history is only part of its appeal. Set in the beautiful countryside of Shropshire with Wenlock Edge home to many rare orchids nearby, it is also a must for nature lovers.
A peaceful place off the beaten path, Much Wenlock is a lovely place to visit. Getting here Approximately 40 minutes from Birmingham, Much Wenlock is easily accessible by road, please try our UK Travel Guide for further information.
0コメント