Story: Emily Haimeed
On Monday 25th June the Olympic torch came to Sheffield. Local resident Abtisam Mohamed was chosen to be one of 8,000 torchbearers in the UK.
Abtisam was nominated because of her positive contribution to the local community. Having lived in Burngreave most of her life, she has worked in the Voluntary Sector for over 11 years alongside developing a career in Law.
“I helped establish the Fir Vale Pre-School, set up many projects for women, given legal advice on a voluntary basis, as well as developing many other community projects at the Yemeni Community Association. I love the Burngreave area and have always done what I can to make sure the area is not forgotten.”
After being short-listed, Abtisam was chosen to be a torchbearer by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. “It was a nice surprise! It’s one thing somebody nominating you but it’s different when you are actually chosen as it is recognition of the work done.” Abtisam said the hard work and input of her colleagues was important in the selection:
“I have never achieved things single-handed but only with the support and contributions of other people. You’re only as good as the people that support you."
“My colleagues, both at the YCA and the Pre-school, are strong, hardworking, dedicated people who all remain committed to improving the local community. Carrying the Olympic Torch was an acknowledgment for the work they all do.”
On the day of the torch relay, Abtisam arrived in Attercliffe at 5.30am where she received her torch. She carried the torch 300 metres, and was supported by her family who came to watch her.
“The atmosphere was amazing! I was running with the torch, waving at a lot of people. A lot of people came up to me to ask if their children could take pictures with me and the torch. It was a surreal experience. In the build-up to it, I felt a bit apprehensive, thinking it’s going to be in front of lots of people but on the actual day it was really nice. The people who organised it made the extra effort to make us feel like stars for the day!”
Abtisam plans to let people make use of her torch, which she will be taking to an Olympic event in the local area so that people can have a look at the torch and take pictures with it.