The Flame that was ignited in Greece will be arriving in Fort Qu'Appelle on January 9th, 2010 and the town will be buzzing with enthusiasm. Fort Qu'Appelle is honored to be selected as one of 1,000 communities where torchbearers will carry the Olympic Flame that represents the spirit of the games.

There will be a brief Torch appearance at the All Nations Healing Hospital at 4:30 p.m. Torch runners in Fort Qu'Appelle begin their run shortly after 5:00 p.m. at the corner of Broadway and Neeping, making their way to the Ice Pavilion located at Peace Hills Trust where they will be welcomed by Mayor Ron Osika and four children from the Community Choir who will present them with banners and cards to take to our Canadian Athletes in Vancouver.

The festivities begin at 4:00 p.m. at the Ice Pavilion located in front of Peace Hills Trust with Master of Ceremonies Delvin Bitternose doing the honours. The Children's Community Choir will sing "O Canada", followed by performances by Stephanie Thompson, and Terrance Littletent. The Starblanket Junior Drummers will welcome the runners to the Ice Pavilion. Following the formalities, the Children's Community Choir will sing the Olympic Song as the Torch heads off down Bay Avenue. Stephanie Thompson will perform again, Matt Rapley will perform, and then Delvin Bitternose will let everyone know what's happening in Fort Qu'Appelle to celebrate our part in the Olympic Torch Relay. Acitivities include a Beef on a Bun Supper at the Royal Canadian Legion, an Olympic "Hot Shot" competition at the Curling Rink and a Fort Qu'Appelle Midget Hockey Game at the Rexcentre.

Everyone is encouraged to dress warmly and bring noisemakers and flashlights! There may be some parking restrictions in the area of the Ice Pavilion so plan your parking accordingly. The Kapachee Youth Group will have glowsticks for sale, and the Edgeley Youth Group will be selling hot chocolate to keep the chill off! We also hope you will make Ice Candles with your family over the holidays and bring them to the Torch Run.

To date, the identity of only one Torch Runner in Fort Qu'Appelle is known! Clayton Gerein, a six time Paralympian and Medal recipient from Pilot Butte will be in the Valley, carrying the Torch. The rest will remain a mystery until January 9!

See you January 9, 2010. For further information contact: Jerry Whiting 331-8742