20th anniversary of the Olympic torch coming to the Wimmera

The torch ventured through Ararat, Stawell, Horsham and St Arnaud on its journey, drawing huge crowds desperate for a glimpse at sporting history.

David Berry was the organising committee member for the torch's arrival in Horsham.

He said it was an occasion he would never forget.

"When you think about it in terms of sporting history, it's just massive," he said.

"It's not just like something from a local perspective, or a national perspective. This was a world-wide thing, and it was coming through Horsham."

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The torch was carried through the town on Sunday, July 23, and lighting a specially-constructed Olympic cauldron at Sawyer Park.

Mr Berry helped organise a Horsham District league encounter between Harrow-Balmoral and Rupanyup at City Oval prior to the torches arrival in the evening.

"The job those two clubs did to come together and hold that game prior to the torch coming through was unreal," Berry said.

"We had that match, and a lot of other sports ran 'come and try' events, or little workshops and things like that - every sport just embraced it, which was fantastic to see."

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Mr Berry also had the chance to run with the torch as it made its way through Stawell.

"The number of people on the sides of the road cheering was just something you'd never forget," Mr Berry said.

"It's hard to believe it's 20 years ago."

Former Member for Wimmera Hugh Delahunty was also a torchbearer for part of the torch's journey through Horsham.

Mr Delahunty said he could remember the adrenaline of the day as his torch was lit.

"We were briefed beforehand and told not to sprint. You only have 200 metres, so they said just take it slow and enjoy the moment," Mr Delahunty recalled.

"But as soon as I was handed the torch, I suddenly thought I was Cathy Freeman. I just took off.

"I had bought a new pair of sneakers, we had new uniforms they had given us and I just took off. It was all over in a very short time.

"But it was a very special occasion to be a part of."

Mr Delahunty said running the torch past the Horsham Basketball Stadium was a particular highlight.

"I had a lot to do with basketball so to run past the stadium where I'd played a lot of basketball ... that's a pretty special memory," he said.

"There were a lot of people lining McPherson St, Baillie St, all down Firebrace St ... it was a special occasion for the city, special for Victoria and special for the Wimmera."

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