Throughout the first Olympic year without the games since World War II, Australia is marking 20 years since it last hosted the global event.
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In the lead-up to the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Wagga got its chance to be part of the action as the historic relay came through town.
On August 16, an estimated 15,000 people from Wagga and surrounding areas descended on Bolton Park to watch former Olympic equestrian and Wagga race-horse trainer Greg McDermott light the Community Cauldron.
The ceremony was a culmination of a relay through the city, with about 100 community figures carrying the flame through packed streets.
Among those community figures was Anthony Paul, who was invited to participate in recognition of his community involvement.
Mr Paul still keeps his torch and official Sydney 2000 t-shirt to this day.
He said it was a great moment to be able to carry the flame in front of his friends and family.
"It was an honour really ... it was something that was very memorable and just a proud moment, something you just won't forget and the kids won't forget," he said.
Mr Paul said from the relay to the event at Bolton Park, he remembered a strong "community feel" about the day.
"It was just a really good family, community day, there was just a good vibe about the town," he said.
"Everyone had a smile on their face."
Towns across the Riverina had the opportunity to join in the fun that month, with the relay route heading through Griffith, Narrandera, Wagga and Cootamundra through the towns in between.
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