Cash for torch relay events
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North Island communities will receive almost $50,000 in grants for celebrations of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.
“With the Olympic Torch Relay just a few months away, communities across B.C. are preparing to welcome this exciting international event into their neighbourhoods,” said Kevin Krueger, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts. “This grants program will enable communities to proudly showcase the very best of their heritage and culture to the world in the lead-up to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.”
The funding will be used to support approved cultural celebrations and performances featuring local and regional talent in three categories throughout B.C.
Fifty celebration communities, including Port Hardy, will receive $27,191.56 each.
There are 218 route communities, including Port McNeill, which will receive $8,000 to celebrate the flame passing nearby, but not stopping for a formal celebration.
Fifty aboriginal communities -- including Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw, and Kwakiutl -- will receive $7,000 and have the flame stop for an elder fire keeper gathering. This will allow for each aboriginal community to host a welcome/blessing ceremony for the torch.
“As we prepare to welcome the world in 2010, the Olympic Torch Relay provides an unparalleled opportunity for all British Columbians to celebrate the beauty and diversity of our communities and our province,” said Mary McNeil, Minister of State for the Olympics and ActNow BC.
The 2010 Olympic Flame will be lit on Oct. 22, 2009 and handed over to a representative of Canada in Athens, Greece on Oct. 29 before making its trans-Atlantic flight. The flame will visit every province and territory in the country and will be carried by approximately 12,000 torchbearers.
For a map of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Route and celebration communities, see vancouver2010.com.
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