But what I think is going to make this year’s event even
more special is the Olympic feel to proceedings. Behold the Roses Torch! The
beacon of light will be relayed around York’s eight colleges by students on
Friday 4th May, before making a mammoth journey across the Pennines.
Cycling ten miles each, nine brave York students will ensure the torch safely
reaches its destination, where the Lancaster students will parade it to the
opening ceremony.
As you would expect, a great deal of care has gone into choosing the right design. In total, eleven torch designs were submitted by students at York, and they were scrutinised by York Sport. Here, I offer my assessments for the top five torches:
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| Design 4: Impressive |
Design 4: This was a very strong candidate. Created by Alison Wise, the design’s main strength lies in its simplicity. As Wise noted: “The shape of my torch, like that of previous Olympic torches, is designed to be easy to hold in comparison to a traditional cone.” The rose design at the top of the torch is impressively crafted and the lines of roses across the handle are the aesthetic icing on the cake. The description notes the historic rivalry between York and Lancaster and the popularity of last year’s Roses design which is incorporated into the current design.
BRADDERS RATING: 9/10
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| Design 5: Rivalry is the focus |
Design 5: I personall quite liked this design. The division of the torch into two clear halves demonstrates the intense rivalry, culminating in the central rose in the heart of the torch. However, what may play against it are the technical difficulties of securing the vines all the way around. You could just imagine that being a bit of an issue during the 90-mile bike ride.
BRADDERS RATING: 7/10
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| Design 6: Medieval |
Design 6: This for me was another contender to win.
The designer has a clear understanding for the history of the Roses tournament;
the oar refers to Roses’ first ever sporting event, rowing. The torch has a
distinct medieval feel as well which harks back to the battles of the fifteenth
century. At the rear, the ‘Be a Champion’ logo refers to the NUS initiative
providing £1,000 for the
competition to create a piece of Olympic-related art which will be placed in
the new York Sport Village.
BRADDERS RATING: 8/10
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| Design 8: Ambitious |
Design 8: An ambitious design, the number 8 option provides
a Roses twist to the Olympic logo. The rings encircle the top of the torch and
the zig-zag pattern along the base catches the eye. But its main problem is its
complexity. The Rose hanging at the bottom could be a pain to attach securely.
The colour of the Roses at the top also looks peculiar – who has ever seen a
black rose? And the overall design may be a little too friendly; there isn’t
enough rivalry jumping out at me here.
BRADDERS RATING: 5/10
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| Design 9: Inspired |
Design 9: If number 8 was peculiar, this one is utterly bizarre.
But in a good way. The torch seemingly replaces the traditional horn of a
unicorn, a creature which can be found regularly around the University of York
campus. In the description, the designer informs us: “Unicorns live on a diet of white and red roses
(yellow ones actually poison them) which, conveniently, are the colours of Lancashire and Yorkshire.” Perfect! The design
would also do away with the need for students cycling over to Lancaster when it
could just run there itself. The description concludes: “This design would
bring a smile to everyone’s face … Choose unicorns.” It’s certainly brought a
smile to my face, what a terrific design.
BRADDERS RATING: 10/10
In the end, York Sport announced the winner was Design 4.
Although I can understand the reasons behind this selection, many, including
myself, were a little disappointed at the rejection of the unicorn. Nevertheless,
I am really looking forward to this year’s event. It is these additional
projects which have involved the entire university community which will hopefully
make Roses 2012 a tournament to remember.
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