Ottawa, November 23, 2009 -The people of New Brunswick now have their turn to welcome the visit of the eagerly awaited Olympic Flame and to celebrate this historic moment.
"Over 81 days, the Olympic Flame of the 2010 Games will bring communities together throughout the country. Carried by 12,000 torchbearers, the Olympic Flame's course will be the longest domestic torch relay in history," said Minister of State (Sport) Gary Lunn. "New Brunswick's Torch Relay celebration will allow the people of the province to share in this memorable moment, and it will also showcase the natural and cultural riches of this wonderful part of the country."
Throughout the six-day visit, the Flame will visit the following ten communities in the region: Shediac, Moncton, Sussex, Saint John, Oromocto, Fredericton, Miramichi, Bathurst, Grand Falls-Grand Sault and Edmunston. A federal representative will be at each celebration.
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.
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 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 Shediac, Moncton, Sussex, Saint John, Oromocto, Fredericton, Miramichi, Bathurst, Grand Falls-Grand Sault, and Edmunston 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 Canadian 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 the municipalities of Shediac, Moncton, Sussex, Saint John, Oromocto, Fredericton, Miramichi, Bathurst, Grand Falls-Grand Sault, and Edmunston 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 New Brunswick:
