When the Olympic Torch came to Parramatta | Photos

Australian rugby league great Brad Fittler had no idea of the emotion that would overwhelm him when he carried the Sydney Olympic torch into Parramatta Park on September 12, 2000.

Australian rugby league star Brad Fittler had no idea of the emotion that would overwhelm him when he carried the Sydney Olympic torch into Parramatta Park on September 12, 2000.

“I didn’t know there was going to be people there so I came over the hill and it was absolutely packed,’’ he recalled.

“As I came over the top I deadset had a moment. It’s a highlight. I couldn’t hide the emotion and I just started skipping and dancing. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.

“It was an out-of-body experience. I saw my aunties there and my mum and my partner. It was really awesome.’’

Three days ahead of the Sydney Olympics in 2000, the former Penrith and Roosters great lit the torch. He is not quite sure why a Parramatta Eels legend did not have the honours but it’s one of his life highlights.

Parramatta councillor Lorraine Wearne, who had just been made Lord Mayor two days before the cauldron was lit, recalls the buzz when the torch wove through surrounding suburbs, such as her Epping neighbourhood.

“It was a fascinating time because I’ve never seen so many people in Parramatta Park,’’ she said.

“There were literally hundreds of thousands of people — 150,000 people. It was quite an amazing spectacle.

“It was chock-a-block.’’

During the Games, the buzz continued with large screens broadcasting the events from the Church St Mall (now known as Centenary Square).

“It was a very successful time for Parramatta,’’ Cr Wearne said.

“I think because Parramatta decided to make itself almost like the host city because Sydney was so far away from where the Olympics were being held. There was stuff every day and every night in Parramatta.

“It was before the big works started. We are talking 21 years ago. It was easy for us to close Church St. We didn’t have the light rail ripping up the city.’’

The Parramatta Olympic Torch Relay Choir, formed in March 2000 and led by composer and conductor Linda Safajou, performed on the arrival of the Olympic Torch in Parramatta Park.

Rugby league player turned torchbearer Brad Fittler at Parramatta on September 12, 2000.

Brad Fittler enters Parramatta Park where the torch was lit. Picture; Nathan Edwards

About 150,000 people descended on Parramatta Park to witness the lighting of the local cauldron. Picture: Nathan Edwards

The rugby league star became part of history. Picture: Ann Moran

Brad Fittler signs the book after his torch leg at Parramatta Park. Picture: Simon Dean

The Parramatta leg of the torch relay started in Kurnell.

The Sydney Olympics brought the community together.

Olympic fever swept through Parramatta with the torch relay.

Lorraine Wearne (third from left) and Brad Fittler are poised to light the cauldron.

Business Western Sydney executive director and former Parramatta Lord Mayor David Borger (left) inspects the cauldron outside Parramatta Town Hall.

Ema Evora, 3, Koto Pati, 5, Brandon, 10 months, and Jose Evora at live Olympic site in Parramatta on September 17, two days after the Games started. Picture: Lindsay Moller

Losalini Pati, Jose Evora, Koto Pati, Ema Evora, 3, Larney Evora and Brandon, 10 months, at the live Olympic site at Parramatta on September 17. Picture: Lindsay Moller

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