David Beckham was causing a double-take on the big screen and in person on Great Yarmouth’s promenade as the resort celebrated its part in the run-up to the 2012 London Olympics, on Bank Holiday Sunday.
But in reality while the England footballer was taking part in the closing ceremony in Beijing which was beamed to the seafront big screen, look-alike Andy Harmer, arriving on an old Routemaster red double- decker bus, was helping to celebrate the county’s Olympic flag handover and launch Great Yarmouth’s inclusion in London 2012’s Pre-Games Training Camp Guide for the world’s beach volleyball teams.
“Great Yarmouth was one of over 500 venues across the country given an official Olympic flag to raise as the Olympics closed in China and London began its role as host for 2012,” said Culture, Sport & Leisure Manager, Marie Hartley.
“The ceremony by the Mayor of Great Yarmouth and local dignitaries was linked with the final of the two-day national Beach Volleyball Tour Grand Slam event on Central beach next to Britannia Pier over the Bank Holiday.
“Our bid to be an Olympic training site was confirmed in March and this weekend we received official notification from the 2012’s organising committee telling us that Great Yarmouth is part of the official website on www.london2012.com/trainingcamps.”
The Olympic flag was raised by the Mayor’s cadet Jane Paddison assisted by Jordan Goleby from Winterton Marine Cadets.
The Mayor, Councillor Terry Easter said: “Great Yarmouth Borough Council is delighted to share this important occasion and is proud to be raising the Olympic handover flag.”
England Volleyball players Phil Smith and Denise Austin were part of the flag raising celebrations, with Denise and her partner Mel Couts going on to win the women’s competition. Tom Lord and Sergio Nunez were the men’s winners.
“Having the competition over the weekend underlined Great Yarmouth’s importance in the beach volleyball calendar and the Olympic plans,” added Marie.
“We attracted 22 men’s teams and 12 women’s from around the country, with competitors from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa giving it an international flavour.
“The whole afternoon was a great success with the added attraction of the Winterton Marine Cadets’ band joining in the celebrations. Residents and visitors alike enjoyed the spectacle and many cheered on the beach volleyball players.”
Pauline Duggan, Media Relations Manager, on behalf of helpucover and Gorleston-based Financial Telemarketing Services Ltd, added: "It was a pleasure to be involved with Great Yarmouth's Beach Volleyball Grand Slam. Congratulations to all participants and Great Yarmouth Council who did a super job in organising the event. With the excellent news that Great Yarmouth's Central Beach has achieved official pre-Games training camp status for the London 2012 Olympics, the event simply goes from strength to strength.”
The official Olympic Handover flag will fly from the top of Marina Leisure Centre, Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth until the end of September.
For more information contact Culture, Leisure and Sport Service Manager Marie Hartley on 01493 846354.