Torch Makes Waves On Border
Illawarra Mercury
Wednesday July 26, 2000
The Murray River was the star of the Olympic Torch Relay yesterday as thousands lined its banks near Echuca/Moama to watch a paddle-steamer convoy accompany the flame downriver.
The flame arrived in Echuca yesterday afternoon after taking in communities along the NSW-Victorian border after an overnight sojourn at Swan Hill.
Olympic relay officials estimated 10,000 people watched the flame arrive at Swan Hill on Monday night, where it burned through the night in a special cauldron.
The flame's first stop yesterday was the township of Lake Boga, 320km north of Melbourne, and the site of a Catalina flying boat base during World War II.
Kerang, 50km south of Lake Boga was the next stop, where a special welcoming ceremony was performed by Aboriginal groups before the torch's arrival.
Gannawarra Shire chief executive, Peter Bowlan, said 20 runners carried the flame through Kerang amid thronging lunchtime crowds.
Olympic rower Jason Day, who has been selected to represent Australia in the quad scull rowing team, was the last runner. He lit the cauldron at the celebration venue site.
But the highlight of the day was a cavalcade of paddle-steamers along the Murray at Echuca-Moama.
Antique dealer and river boat skipper Peter McLeod said about 5000 people lined the Murray River banks as the cavalcade of 14 paddle-steamers passed by with the flame.
© 2000 Illawarra Mercury
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