HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, November 18, 2009 -The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), took part today in the community celebration marking the passage of the Olympic Torch in Halifax. The Olympic Torch Relay embarked on a five-day tour in Nova Scotia on Monday.
"The Vancouver 2010 Torch Relay is an opportunity to celebrate Canada's diverse culture and rich history and to bring the spirit of the Games to communities across the country," said Minister of State Lunn. "And so it is a great pleasure for me to join the people of Halifax in celebrating this memorable activity!"
"This is a rare opportunity to take part in a dynamic cultural activity uniting Canadians from coast to coast to coast. I am delighted to take part in a celebration that brings together family and friends and reminds the rest of the world about Nova Scotian hospitality," added Minister of State Lunn.
For more information on the Government's support for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay or the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, consult the attached backgrounder or visit www.Canada2010.gc.ca.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Office of the Honourable Gary Lunn, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1122
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
THE OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY AND THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA
The Government of Canada, a major financial partner of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, is committed to ensuring that the Games are a success and are managed prudently. It is also striving to maximize the investment of Canadians in the Games and in the Olympic Torch Relay.
Through its contribution and involvement in the Olympic Torch Relay, the Government of Canada is giving all Canadians across the country the opportunity to experience the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games by making them "Canada's Games." After making its way across the ocean from Greece to Victoria, British Columbia, the Flame--carried by 12 000 torchbearers--will travel 45 000 kilometres from coast to coast to coast.
The Olympic Torch Relay will last 106 days and bring together the entire country as Canada prepares to welcome the 2010 Winter Games.
Did you know...?
- The Government of Canada has invested $22.5 million to ensure that more Canadians can take part in the Olympic Torch Relay all across the country in order to celebrate the arrival of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- The communities of Sydney, Port Hawkesbury, Antigonish, Truro, Halifax, Wolfville, and Lunenburg received grants from the Government of Canada to enhance their cultural programming so that Canadians in these regions could take part in an unforgettable ceremony and celebrate Canada's cultural diversity and rich history.
- The Government of Canada made a financial contribution to setting up the project for the official celebration communities' song. The song, written by world-renowned artist Gregory Charles, will be performed by local choirs in order to showcase local artists. This activity is a unique opportunity to rally Canadians across the country around a unique theme and to generate a sense of national pride.
- The Government of Canada will give Sydney, Port Hawkesbury, Antigonish, Truro, Halifax, Wolfville, and Lunenburg a commemorative plaque to mark the passage of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch in these communities. The Olympic Torch Relay route will be the longest domestic torch relay route in Olympic history, a legacy that will immortalize this moment in history for Canadians and citizens of the world for generations to come.
Government of Canada contributions to celebration communities in Nova Scotia:
