Olympic Torch Relay in Whistler

Whistler ready to shine in the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay

On February 5, the eyes of the world will turn to our community as the Olympic Flame arrives in Whistler as part of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, presented by Coca-Cola and RBC and supported by the Government of Canada.

"Everywhere you look in Whistler, excitement is building for the 2010 Winter Games and the arrival of the Olympic Flame marks the final leg of the journey," said Mayor Ken Melamed. "On February 5, we encourage the community to come out for this emotional once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Olympic Flame in person, celebrate the 2010 Winter Games and show support for local and other Canadian athletes."

The arrival of the Olympic Flame to Whistler on the 99th day of the relay will ignite a free, family-focused community celebration including a community cauldron lighting, the chance to cheer on torchbearers, local musicians and much more.  The Resort Municipality of Whistler, in partnership with VANOC, has developed an exciting program with a unique Whistler feel.  Read more.

Volunteer with the Whistler Torch Relay on February 5, 2010

Everywhere the Olympic flame travels, it creates an atmosphere of celebration and Whistler is no exception. The arrival of the Olympic Flame to Whistler on the 99th day of the relay will ignite a free, family-focused community celebration with a cauldron lighting ceremony, the chance to cheer on torchbearers, local musicians and much more.

Please complete this application if you are interested in volunteering for this memorable day. It is essential that persons wishing to participate be able and willing to perform the described roles as well as agree and commit to the time requirements outlined.

Whistler Torch Relay Volunteer Information

Schedule February 5:

3:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.: Village Square

Barney Bentall and the Grand Cariboo Opry will take the stage for an unforgettable 90-minute collaborative concert.  The performance, featuring Canadian icon Barney Bentall and the Grand Cariboo Opry, brings one of Canada's greatest bands to Whistler to teach and collaborate with regional musicians who will hone their skills as artists. Four local musicians, Dana-Marie Battaglia, Greg Reamsbottom, Jon Shrier and Rachel Thom will work with the Juno-award winning artist and his rocking band to create an outstanding one-time performance for the torch relay celebrations.

The Olympic mascots will stop by for a visit between 4:30 - 5:00.

Come and get your face painted to show your Canadian pride in the Spirit tent.

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.: Skiers Plaza

Come join the entire community in welcoming the Olympic Flame to Whistler. The Squamish Nation Eagle Song Dancers will perform on stage, as well as Whistler's very own, Ali Milner. The Whistler Children's Choir and the Whistler Singers will sing, "There's a Light/ Cette Flamme," a song performed at torch relay celebrations across Canada.

Whistler's community torchbearer will carry the Olympic Flame on the final leg of its journey to the stage where he will light the 1.3-metre high celebration cauldron, in a move similar to the dramatic highlight of what will occur during the Opening Ceremony for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Torch Relay route details

Coming soon! Visit vancouver2010.com for updates on the Olympic Flame's route through Whistler.

Schedule February 6:

The Torch Relay gets up early to run at 7:00am. Visit vancouver2010.com for route updates.

Paint the Town Red campaign kick-off - February 5 and 6:

Whistler is encouraged to Paint the Town Red in support of our Canadian athletes. Wear red, paint your face, make posters, anything that shows your support. http://paint-town-red.olympic.ca/

 

About the Olympic Torch Relay

The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games truly are Canada's Games as the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay becomes the longest in history to be contained within the Host Country.

Canada is full of inspiring stories ? as are Canadians. These unique and motivational stories will be shared in the months leading up to the relay, and during the time Canadians will transport the Olympic Flame from Athens, Greece to Vancouver.

The 2010 Olympic Torch Relay presented by Coca-Cola and RBC will inspire and engage Canadians from coast to coast to coast as it travels along the path of northern lights ? the route the Olympic Flame will illuminate as it travels towards the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

2010 Olympic Torch Relay in brief:

1. More than 100 days in length
2. More than  1,000 communities and places of interest where torchbearers will carry the Olympic Flame
3. Nearly 200 celebrations hosted by communities in every province and territory
4. Approximately 90 per cent of Canada's population will be within a one-hour drive of experiencing the Olympic Flame
5. More than 45,000 kilometres will be travelled
6. Extensive tour of the North including a planned visit to Alert, Nunavut, the northernmost permanently inhabited community in the world
7. 12,000 people will have the honour of being an Olympic Torchbearer and will help carry the flame to Vancouver, a majority of whom will be selected through public programs

The 2010 Olympic Torch Relay will begin in Canada on October 30, 2009 with a celebration in Victoria, and conclude at the Opening Ceremony signalling the start of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games on February 12, 2010.