THE Olympic dream was alive and well in Bangor as residents got into the spirit of London 2012.
Bangor University Sarah Hale, 18, was one of the excited crowd who held the Olympic torch the Ffriddoedd site on Thursday.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. I don’t think that I would have had the opportunity to see the torch if I wasn’t in uni,” she said.
David Tomalin, 18, joined students and more than 1,000 excited youngsters from schools in Bangor and Caernarfon at the event.
“I compete as an athlete, so it was very exciting to get a chance to hold the torch,” he said.
“I can’t wait for the Games. Having the torch here brings people together.”
The Coca- Cola Olympic Torch Tour’s visit is the first in a series of community events arranged by Bangor University Student’s Union before the Olympic Flame comes to the city next year.
Union president Jo Caulfield called the visit a “historic occasion.”
“It is a privilege for our community to be part of this torch journey which serves to promote world interest and passion in all areas of sport and physical endeavour.”
Pupils from 15 schools eagerly waited for their chance to be photographed with the torch, including Anjali Adala, nine, of Ysgol Y Faenol.
“I feel happy and excited. I love sport, especially swimming,” she said.
Her teacher Clare Griffiths believed that the visit was a valuble experience.
“I think it encourages them to get involved and to make them aware of the Olympics,” she said.
Mayor of Bangor councillor Huw Edward Williams was delighted to attend the event.
“I’m pleased that the Students’ Union has been successful in their bid and that this event will benefit Bangor and the wider area. It’s a great thing for the University and for the wider community,” he said.