Steinbach is gearing up for the arrival of the Olympic Torch on January 5, 2010. On that day, the eyes of the world will turn to our city as the Olympic Flame arrives in Steinbach as part of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay (OTR).
The OTR Community Task Force for Steinbach, comprised of ten people, has been working together since March 2009 to plan an event that promotes Steinbach’s heritage, culture, and community spirit. Members of the OTR Community Task Force include Jason Peters, Amber Reitsma, Mariette Kirouac, Dwayne Doroshuk, Blaine Mclaren, Dave Blatz, Cheryl Main, Greg Penner, Rod Kehler, and Paul Friesen.
“Our committee is made up of a diverse group of people that bring creativity, positivity, cultural respect, and community pride to each meeting,” said Task Force co-chair Jason Peters. “Our group has been working really well together, brainstorming and planning a celebration of which our community can be proud.”
“Excitement is building in our community for the arrival of the Olympic Flame and everyone is invited to come out and cheer it on its journey through Steinbach and on to Vancouver,” said Mayor Chris Goertzen. “On January 5th, we’re expecting thousands to turn out for this emotional once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Olympic Flame in person right here in our city and feel inspired by its universal message of peace and friendship.”
Five local performers have been lined up to help celebrate the arrival of the flame. Performers and other celebration details, including the route the Olympic Torch will follow though Steinbach, will be announced in the coming months.
Steinbach’s OTR Community Task Force was pleased to receive notice of a grant for $12,000 from the Government of Canada’s Department of Canadian Heritage.
“This grant, together with funds provided by the City of Steinbach, will allow our Task Force to put on a high-calibre celebration,” said Peters.
Volunteer Opportunities
With an event of this magnitude, volunteers are a necessary and important component to making the celebration a success. A number of unique opportunities exist in which people can offer their services. These positions include lining and securing the torchbearer pathway to the stage, directing vehicles to parking areas, assisting the production crew, and more!
A limited number of volunteer positions are available for this once-in-a-lifetime event, so those interested should contact Cheryl Main at (204) 326-5595 or by e-mail at ceciliad@shaw.ca.
Information about the OTR
The 106-day Olympic Torch Relay will visit more than 1,030 communities and places of interest in every province and territory. Steinbach is one of eight communities in Manitoba that will be hosting an OTR Celebration.
The OTR begins October 30, 2009 and ends February 12, 2010, when the Olympic Flame will make its way to downtown Vancouver to light the Olympic Cauldron in a magical and awe-inspiring moment, signalling the kick off to the start of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
“Our goal with these celebrations has always been to bring the magic and excitement of the Olympic Spirit home to millions of Canadians no matter where they live and truly make these Canada’s Games,” said John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).
For more information on the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay visit www.vancouver2010.com/torchrelay. Detailed street-level route details will become available approximately two weeks before the Olympic Flame arrives in the community.
