Minister unveils sculpture to celebrate the memories of the Olympics

22/4/01
Racing and Gaming Minister Nick Griffiths congratulated the Town of Victoria Park and the Burswood Park Board for the commissioning of a sculpture that would honour all Western Australian Olympians and Paralympians.
The Minister was speaking at the unveiling of a special sculpture 'Keeping the Flame Alight'. The sculpture was commissioned to celebrate the passage of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay through the Town of Victoria Park in July, 2000.
The Town of Victoria Park was chosen as one of only three locations in the Perth metropolitan area to host the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch.
"The sculpture is a tribute to the foresight of the Town of Victoria Park and the Burswood Park Board," the Minister said.
"It will ensure that the Olympic Torch Relay 2000 will be remembered and that all Olympians and Paralympians are recognised."
Mr Griffiths paid tribute to Shirley Strickland and Herb Elliot, who provided the models for the structure.
Ms Strickland competed in the 1948, 1952 and 1956 Olympic games winning three gold, one silver and three bronze medals, a record for an Australian athlete. Mr Elliot won two Gold medals at the 1958 Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Gold medal in Rome in 1960. He broke the four-minute mile 17 times and was never defeated over the mile or 1,500m.
"Shirley Strickland and Herb Elliot are an inspiration and the measure of a true Olympian," Mr Griffiths said.
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