Editorial — Olympic flame touches down
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Updated: November 03, 2009 11:28 AM
The Olympic flame has arrived in Canada and is now on a 106-day journey that will end next Feb. 12 when it arrives at B.C. Place Stadium to light the cauldron officially opening the XXI Olympic Winter Games.
In the interim, Canadians from coast to coast will have an opportunity to share in the spirit of the Olympics as flame’s torch bearers — including many Richmondites — take it to the wide reaches of our vast nation.
The flame is much more than simply a symbol of a sporting event. Commemorating the theft of fire from the Greek god Zeus by Prometheus, it reflects the celebration of the ancient Olympics and the Games’ revival by Pierre de Courbetin in the late 19th century.
It was 21 years ago when the Olympic flame last landed in Richmond, and physically and emotionally touched locals forging lifelong memories. That was of course during the lead-up to the 1988 Calgary Winter Games, which many still regard as one of the most successful Olympics, leaving numerous lasting legacies.
Now, a new generation of Richmondites will get to experience all that the Olympics represents when the uniquely Canadian-designed torch winds its way through Lulu Island on Feb. 9. Mark that date on your calendar as it may be another generation before the Olympics again returns to our fair nation, spreading the love and spirit led by this simple flame.
— Richmond Review
(Black Press)
Editor’s note — The Olympic torch run will come to Langley on Monday, Feb. 8. A large community event will take place at Langley Events Centre on that day, along with the torch procession through the community.
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