Torch run test starts in Hope
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Updated: September 30, 2009 1:50 PM
It was a two-pronged trial, and 2010 Olympic officials declared the day a success. The only thing missing in the massive convoy of crews, sponsor vehicles, and torchbearers was a set of booster cables.
The 2010 Olympic Torch Relay team came rolling through downtown Hope last Wednesday as part of a practice run of the relay spanning from Hope to Abbotsford.
VANOC head John Furlong said the whole daylong experience was a valuable chance for Torch Relay organizers to check over “every little detail” on the relay route.
“Today is about understanding the kind of thing that can happen along the way,” he said. “The relay is such a large enterprise, with up to 100 vehicles on the road for six days, we have to learn how to be a family.”
When probed about the potential for protesters to mar the proceedings, he answered that organizers are not “naive” and have planned for every possibility.
Furlong said the trial run was also a perfect chance for the community to “feel and get a sense” for the 2010 Olympic games this winter.
Torch Relay team director Jim Richards was asked if the trial run detected any bugs in the system.
“That was the whole reason for the test,” he replied. “Having booster cables in the cars would have helped this morning, and might have prevented the late start.”
The Olympic Torch will officially pass through Hope on its way to the 21st Winter Olympic Games on Feb. 7, 2010.
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