2010 Olympic Torch Relay
Olympic Torch Relay off to a great start on Canadian soil
Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson proudly stepped back onto Canadian soil today with the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Flame
burning brightly in his hand. He then handed the flame off to two official First Nations fire keepers, who were greeted by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell.
The Olympic Flame arrived at the steps of the B.C. Legislature Buildings in downtown Victoria around 10:30 am PT today, after being carried in a traditional West Coast native dugout canoe by First Nations paddlers across the harbour, and then up to the steps of the legislature by First Nations elders and chiefs. Read more.
Vancouver set to shine during the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay
Vancouver is getting set for the Olympic Torch to shine brightly as the Olympic Flame arrives in Vancouver on February 11, 2010. The flame’s arrival kicks off the two-day Olympic Torch Relay, scheduled to begin on February 11.
To mark the flame’s historic arrival in Vancouver, an Olympic Torch Relay Celebration is being planned by the City for the evening of February 11. The celebration will be held LiveCity Yaletown at David Lam Park. Tens of thousands are expected to gather every day at our LiveCity sites to watch live performances showcasing Vancouver’s creative excellence and cultural diversity.
The Torch Relay celebration at LiveCity Yaletown is just one part of many festivities the City has planned for the two-day Olympic Torch Relay in February 2010. The City is inviting residents and visitors to join neighbourhoods in celebrating the 2010 Winter Games as the flame moves through Vancouver. Local events are being planned by the City’s Local Neighbourhood Torch Relay Celebration Task Force, which includes representatives from City departments, community organizations and 2010 Olympic Torch Relay sponsors, who are all working together to make the Torch Relay an unforgettable part of Vancouver’s Olympic experience.
The Olympic Torch Relay celebrations in Vancouver mark the conclusion of a 106–day journey for the flame across Canada that will provide selected Canadians of all ages and cultural backgrounds the opportunity to carry the Olympic Flame and celebrate Canada’s Games. The Torch will cross the Pacific Ocean from Greece and arrives in Victoria, British Columbia on October 30, 2009. It will then make a 45,000-kilometre trip to communities across Canada before finally arriving in Vancouver.
The Olympic Torch Relay will unite Canadians coast-to-coast and inspire national pride in the lead up to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and our neighbourhood celebrations will build on that pride, bringing Canada and the world together in the spirit of peace and friendship.
The Paralympic Torch Relay will also be coming to Vancouver in 2010. Planning for the Paralympic Relay continues, so check back often for updates on events and activities in Vancouver.
For more information on the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays, visit the Vancouver2010 website
.
