Thousands of people packed the streets on Thursday 26 July to cheer the Olympic Torch on its 33 mile journey through the city – and two relay runners held up the flame for Greenhouse.
Chief Executive and founder of the charity Michael de Giorgio took the torch just meters from the Greenhouse head office in Shepherds Bush and was waved up towards Holland Park by a crowd of supporters and Olympic tourists.
Earlier in the day, Greenhouse Bethwin FC coach Ahmed Jalloh carried the iconic gold torch via Peckham as a party atmosphere got people dancing in the street through the neighbourhood where he lives and works.
Both men were nominated to be torch-bearers in recognition of their work with Greenhouse – Mike for his passionate leadership of the charity for the last ten years and Ahmed for the difference he has made to hundreds of young people at Greenhouse Bethwin over the past eight.
After his run Mike said: “Carrying the torch was an unforgettable experience and I couldn’t be more happy or proud to have been given the chance. But this honour is really one for all Greenhouse to share in and I’d like to thank everyone for the hard work they’ve put in to get us here.”
Ahmed was also delighted at his role in the relay and said how much it meant to him to follow in the footsteps of great past torch-bearers like Muhammad Ali.
Earlier in the week, Jordan Dalrymple, a volleyball participant from South London carried The Torch in Wandsworth. He was nominated as a Lloyds TSB Local Hero for his dedication to the sport and the work he does to inspire younger players.
Besides the relay, Greenhouse also launched on Thursday its Coach Core apprenticeship scheme with the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. There are certain to be many special days over the next two weeks of London 2012 but for Greenhouse the day before it all started will be hard to beat.
Watch a video of Mike carrying the Torch
